Who are the African players on the 2024 IFFHS men’s World best player award shortlist

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Peseiro Backs Lookman Over Osimhen for Technical Brilliance

Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen continue to earn global recognition for their stellar performances, as both Nigerian stars have been shortlisted for the 2024 IFFHS Men’s World Best Player Award. They are the only African players to feature on this prestigious list.

Ademola Lookman’s Remarkable Year

Lookman enjoyed a standout season with Atalanta, leading the Italian club to its first-ever UEFA Europa League title. The 27-year-old forward produced a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, cementing his place in Atalanta’s history and breaking a 60-year trophy drought.

Throughout the 2023/24 campaign, Lookman scored 17 goals and registered 10 assists across all competitions. His contributions were also pivotal to Nigeria’s second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where the Super Eagles narrowly lost 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast in the final. As a result, Lookman has become a frontrunner for the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award.

Victor Osimhen’s Global Rise

Osimhen, the reigning African Player of the Year, had a record-breaking 2022/23 season with Napoli, scoring 26 goals and powering them to their first Serie A title in over 30 years. Despite attracting interest from clubs like Chelsea and PSG, Osimhen extended his stay at Napoli before moving on loan to Galatasaray.

At Galatasaray, the 25-year-old striker has quickly become a fan favourite, forming a lethal attacking duo with Mauro Icardi. His impressive performances continue to keep him in the spotlight as one of the top forwards in world football.