Lookman Makes Strong CAF Player of the Year Statement

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Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman celebrated his recent nomination for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award with a stellar performance against Verona in Serie A on Saturday, contributing to a decisive 6-1 win.

The Nigeria international was named on Friday among the top 10 contenders for the prestigious CAF award, and he made an emphatic statement in the following day’s game by directly contributing to four goals.

Lookman scored twice and provided two assists, all in the first half, leading Atalanta’s charge.

Lookman set up the first goal just six minutes into the match, assisting Marten de Roon to put Atalanta ahead. Eight minutes later, he assisted Charles De Ketelaere, who made it 3-0.

Lookman then netted two quick goals of his own in the 29th and 34th minutes, taking the score to 5-0 and firmly securing Atalanta’s control of the game.

The 27-year-old winger was substituted in the 56th minute for Lazar Samardzic, narrowly missing a chance for a hat trick.

So far this season, Lookman has accumulated four goals and four assists in just six Serie A appearances, underscoring his form and bolstering his candidacy for CAF’s top honor.

Lookman is considered one of the frontrunners for the CAF award, and he is also the only African player nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, reflecting his outstanding performances both in Italy and on the international stage.