CAF POTY Award: Arsenal Icon Kanu Nwankwo Names Favourite for Prize

• The 2024 edition of the prestigious African Footballer of the Year award is on the horizon
• The Confederation of African Football has published a list of 10 players in the running for the highly coveted award
• Former Arsenal forward, Kanu Nwankwo, has named his favourite to clinch the award at the lavish gala slated for Morocco

The 2024 edition of the prestigious CAF Awards is fast approaching, and among the numerous accolades to be presented, the Men’s Player of the Year category stands out as the most anticipated.

With a star-studded list of nominees, this highly coveted award has become a hot topic of discussion.

As the gala in Morocco draws nearer, various predictions about the frontrunner for the award have been circulating.

Nigeria's Ademola Lookman is widely regarded as the favourite, although he faces fierce competition from several other nominees, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.

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However, ahead of the gala in Marrakech, former Arsenal forward Nwankwo Kanu has shared his pick for the coveted award.

Kanu predicts favourite for CAF awards

In an interview captured by Brila.net, the former Arsenal and Nigeria striker shared his pick for the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award, stating that his favourite is Lookman.

Kanu expressed that there could be no better choice than the Atalanta star, praising Lookman’s work ethic and humility.

“He is a very good player, humble, and works very hard. I’m rooting for him,” Kanu said. “I want him to win, and I believe he will. He has done exceptionally well at his club and for his country. For him to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or speaks volumes about his level and how highly he is regarded.”

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Kanu further emphasised that, among African players, Lookman is a clear standout this year.

“Coming to Africa, I don’t know any other player who is doing what he is doing. I believe this is his year to be named African Footballer of the Year. Look at him, look at the other boys—definitely, he will win it.”

As announced by CAF, the awards ceremony is set for December 16 in Marrakesh, Morocco, where Lookman could follow in the footsteps of his Nigerian teammate, Victor Osimhen, to become the 2024 winner of the prestigious award.

Echoing the views of former Arsenal star Kanu, Nigerian football expert, Emmanuel Chinedu, expressed his belief that Lookman is well-deserving of the award.

"I completely agree with Kanu Nwankwo. I believe Ademola Lookman has proven to be one of the brightest talents in Europe over the past 18 months, and right now, he’s arguably the best African player in Europe.

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While we’ve heard names like Ibrahim Diaz (Morocco and Real Madrid), we’re talking about someone who has been exceptional throughout the 2023/24 season, both for his club and country. From what I’ve seen and heard from top journalists, Lookman has certainly gained significant traction in the race to be crowned African Player of the Year."

Frustrated Nigerian star punches opponent

Legit.ng in another report detailed that Kelechi Nwakali punched an opponent during Barnsley’s reserve fixture against Birmingham City U21.

The Nigerian midfielder, who was recently relegated to the team’s reserve, was sent off after punching an opponent during his side’s 2-1 defeat to Birmingham.

Nwakali has so far struggled to adapt to life at the League One club and could be on the move in the summer window.

Source: Legit.ng