Atalanta of Italy winger, Ademola Lookman has been ranked excessive in a roll name of 5 former African Footballer of The Yr award winners who’re nonetheless in rivalry to win the continued AFCON 2025 trophy in Morocco.
Sports247 stories that, whereas Egypt, Senegal and Morocco have just one participant every within the class of former APOY winners left chasing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, Lookman joins his compatriot, Victor Osimhen, on the checklist.
By the way, the artful winger, who beforehand performed for Charlton Athletic, Everton, Fulham and Leicester Metropolis of England in addition to RB Leipzig of Germany took over the celebrated award from Osimhen, who gained it in 2023.
Dramatically, there’s nonetheless a robust trace that Lookman will be a part of Osimhen at Galatasaray of Turkey earlier than the top of this month, regardless of their latest on-field face-off in opposition to Mozambique within the spherical of 16.
Each gamers have repeatedly downplayed any undercurrents or inferences from that spat, and stated they’re totally targeted on reaching the AFCON ultimate for a second straight version.
Forward of Nigeria’s last-four conflict with the host nation, the web site of Confederation of African Soccer (CAF) hyped each semi-finals with a historic function about 5 former APOY winners nonetheless chasing the title.
Listed alongside Lookman and Osimhen are 2025 winner, Achraf Hakimi of Morocco in addition to Mohamed Salah of Egypt (2017; 2018) and Sadio Mane of Senegal (2019; 2022).
Among the many wonderful quintet, a quotation by cafonline for the Atalanta star famous, “Ademola Lookman has been Nigeria’s inventive engine at AFCON 2025.
“The 2024 African Participant of the Yr has mixed finish product with creativeness, contributing three objectives and 4 assists in a tournament-defining run.
“Working throughout the frontline, Lookman’s direct working and sharp decision-making have unlocked organised defences and given Nigeria selection in assault.
“His consistency has ensured that the Tremendous Eagles usually are not reliant on a single supply of inspiration, making them one of the crucial balanced attacking sides left within the competitors.”
