See what Austin Eguavoen said about the 2024 CAF Player of the Year Awards shortlist
Super Eagles interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has expressed his joy over the announcement of the CAF African Player of the Year shortlist, which includes two Nigerian stars, Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong.
The nominations come as Nigeria hopes to build on Victor Osimhen’s historic victory last year and secure back-to-back wins for the prestigious award.
Both Lookman and Troost-Ekong have had outstanding performances over the past year, making them strong contenders for Africa’s top football honour.
Lookman has shone for Atalanta and the Super Eagles, helping Nigeria reach the AFCON final in Ivory Coast and leading his club to their first-ever Europa League title, where he scored a hat-trick in the final. His efforts also earned him a spot on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, making him a front-runner for the CAF award.
Troost-Ekong’s brilliant display at the 2023 AFCON earned him the Most Valuable Player award, further strengthening his case as a top contender for Africa’s biggest football prize.
Eguavoen celebrated the achievements of Lookman and Troost-Ekong in a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote:
“Congratulations to our Super Super Super Eagles duo – Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong on their nomination for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year. A brilliant year for Nigerian football, let’s crown it all with another win in Morocco.”
Eguavoen, who will continue as interim manager, is preparing to lead the Super Eagles in the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda in November.
