LOOKMAN LEADS NFF PLAYER OF THE YEAR RACE AFTER EUROPA LEAGUE HEROICS”
As the European season concludes, the race for the coveted NFF Player of the Year title is wide open, but Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman has emerged as the clear frontrunner following his sensational performance in the Europa League final.
Lookman’s Stellar Season
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) last held its award ceremony in 2021. Recently, the NFF announced a virtual monthly award, but if the leadership of the Sunday Dankaro House considers reviving the prestigious NFF Footballer of the Year award after a three-year absence, Lookman is poised to win.
Club Success: Lookman has been a revelation for Atalanta this season, consistently delivering impressive performances in Serie A. His dominant display in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored a hat-trick, ended Leverkusen’s record-breaking unbeaten run and secured Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy. This feat made Lookman the first African player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final, and only the sixth player ever to achieve such a feat in a major UEFA competition final.
Season Statistics: Throughout the season, Lookman has been a key figure for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, contributing 15 goals and 8 assists across all competitions. His versatility and attacking threat have been crucial for Atalanta’s success in both Serie A and the Europa League.
International Form: Lookman’s impressive form extends to his international duty with the Super Eagles. He was a key player for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), earning a place in the Team of the Tournament by scoring three goals, assisting two, and helping Nigeria reach the final. This international success further strengthens his case for the NFF award.
Other Contenders
Victor Boniface: The 23-year-old forward for Bayer Leverkusen had a phenomenal season in Germany, playing a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title win with 21 goals and 10 assists across all competitions. However, Boniface’s dream of a treble was thwarted by Lookman’s heroics in the Europa League final. While Leverkusen still have a chance to win the DFB Pokal, Lookman’s individual impact and Europa League triumph outweigh Boniface’s achievements.
Victor Osimhen: The reigning CAF Footballer of the Year, Osimhen, remains a strong contender despite Napoli’s lack of silverware this season. With 17 goals and 3 assists in 30 Serie A appearances, Osimhen continues to be one of Africa’s most dangerous strikers. However, his lack of trophies and slightly lower overall impact compared to Lookman weaken his claim for the NFF award.
Wilfred Ndidi: The 27-year-old midfielder has transformed under Leicester City’s manager Enzo Maresca, evolving from a defensive shield into a dynamic box-to-box midfielder. Ndidi played a crucial role in Leicester’s return to the Premier League, contributing 6 goals and 6 assists in 35 Championship appearances. Despite his remarkable transformation and contributions, the NFF award traditionally focuses on attacking prowess, making Ndidi an unlikely contender for the top prize.
Conclusion
Based on his trophy, historic performance in a major European final, consistent contributions throughout the season, and impressive showing at AFCON, Ademola Lookman appears to be the clear favorite for the NFF Player of the Year award. While Victor Boniface and Victor Osimhen have also had strong seasons, Lookman’s achievements on the biggest stages and his overall impact make him the most likely candidate to be crowned the NFF’s best player in 2024. However, the final decision rests with the NFF Awards committee, who may consider factors beyond pure statistics.
Source: Pulse
“LOOKMAN LEADS RACE FOR NFF PLAYER OF THE YEAR AFTER HISTORIC EUROPA LEAGUE FEATS”
