Osimhen predicts more Africa best awards for Nigeria

Super Eagles talisman, Victor Osimhen, has backed Nigeria to win more CAF Player of the Year awards following the recent successive success, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.

Osimhen made the remarks while hailing Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, for his impressive performance for club and country.

In a social media clip, Lookman was celebrated by the Nigerian squad for winning the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year award.

On the eve of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, Lookman’s teammates and coaching crew took time out to celebrate him during the team’s dinner, sharing a cake with the words ‘King of Africa, Lookman’.

“First of all, we all know Lookman deserves this,” Osimhen said.

“He has been amazing for both his club and also for the Super Eagles. It’s a great privilege that this award came to Nigeria and went to the most deserved person. I am proud of you, (Lookman).”

Lookman became the second consecutive Nigerian player to win the prize after Osimhen.

“I also hope it comes back to Nigeria,” Osimhen added.

“The likes of (Victor) Boniface, Samuel (Chukwueze), all of us.”

Nigeria has a rich history of CAF African Player of the Year awards, having produced seven winners since Rashidi Yekini first claimed the honour in 1993.

This year’s award race could be particularly interesting, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, currently leading the Premier League with 27 goals and 17 assists, and Osimhen himself, who is top scorer in the Turkish Super League with 20 goals for Galatasaray among the potential contenders.

Lookman, who is third in the Serie A with Atalanta and has scored 18 goals and provided six assists, is also in contention for the prestigious award.