The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has recently unveiled the men’s category nominees for the highly anticipated 2024 CAF Awards, Soccernet.ng reports.
With Ademola Lookman, Ronwen Williams, Nigeria, South Africa, Stanley Nwabali, Andre Onana, Emerse Fae and a host of others nominated for the prestigious award, fans eagerly await the results of this much-anticipated ceremony.
Here’s a closer look at the predictions for the Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, National Team of the Year, and Coach of the Year.
Player of the Year (POTY): Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman is a strong contender for the Player of the Year award after his stunning hat trick secured the Europa League trophy for Atalanta against Bayer Leverkusen. From January to October 2024, he scored six goals and provided an assist for Nigeria, including three goals at the AFCON tournament.
Goalkeeper of the Year (GOTY): Ronwen Williams
Ronwen Williams is expected to clinch the Goalkeeper of the Year award. He was outstanding for South Africa at the 2023 AFCON, saving three penalties in a single game, which earned him the title of Goalkeeper of the Tournament. His impressive performances for both club and country also made him the only African goalkeeper nominated for the Yashin Award.
National Team of the Year: Nigeria
The Nigerian national team should be recognised for their impressive performance in 2023, advancing to the final of the AFCON tournament. They are one of only four teams in Africa to reach this stage, with the three teams ahead of them never having reached the final this year.
Coach of the Year: Emerse Fae
Emerse Fae is predicted to win Coach of the Year after leading Côte d’Ivoire to victory in the 2023 AFCON. Despite a group stage loss to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, Fae’s leadership guided the team to triumph.