Ademola Lookman strengthens declare for CAF Males’s Participant of the Yr with Ballon d’Or nomination

Tremendous Eagles ahead Ademola Lookman has been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or following a unprecedented 2023/24 season. SportsRation stories.

Lookman, 26, turns into the one African participant shortlisted for the distinguished award, additional boosting his case for the CAF Males’s Participant of the Yr.

The nomination follows a memorable 12 months for Lookman, who showcased his skills each for Nigeria and Italian membership Atalanta. The previous Everton striker was instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the ultimate of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the place he completed because the group’s high scorer with three objectives. His excellent performances helped the Tremendous Eagles safe a silver medal.

Lookman’s achievements didn’t finish with the AFCON, as he additionally made historical past together with his membership Atalanta. He performed a key position in serving to the Bergamo-based membership win their first-ever European title, main them to victory within the UEFA Europa League. His spectacular hat-trick within the ultimate in opposition to Bayer Leverkusen secured Atalanta’s first main trophy in 63 years.

Throughout the 2023/24 season, Lookman scored 22 objectives and supplied 11 assists in all competitions—17 objectives for Atalanta and 5 for Nigeria. His constant kind at each the worldwide and membership ranges has earned him widespread recognition.

Lookman’s Ballon d’Or nomination additional cements his standing as one in every of Africa’s brightest soccer stars and strengthens his case to be named the 2024 CAF Males’s Participant of the Yr. As the one African participant on the 30-man shortlist, he stands out as a number one contender for continental honours.

Additionally, he’s the eighth Nigeria Tremendous Eagles star to be nominated for the distinguished award. Victor Osimhen completed eighth within the awards final 12 months.