Who succeeds Osimhen: Sebastian Haller leads Victor Boniface and others in 2024 CAF Player of the Year race
The race for who emerges 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year had long begun with African footballers giving their best shot for the prize currently held by Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen.
In this article, SportsRation correspondent, Caretaker looks at Sebastian Haller, Victor Boniface and other contenders for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the year award.
SEBASTIAN HALLER LEADS
Sebastian Haller leads the race for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the year award.
Having played a crucial role in Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph, Haller could get his hands on the UEFA Champions League title with Borussia Dortmund in the final against Real Madrid.
Winning the AFCON and UEFA Champions League will pull Sebastian Haller further clear of close contenders, Victor Boniface (Nigeria) and Ademola Lookman (Nigeria).
Also in Haller’s favour will be the voting pattern for CAF awards which hands Francophone stars an edge.
His antagonist will point to subdued individual merits with the Borussia Dortmund man managing just five goals in twenty appearances in all competitions.
VICTOR BONIFACE
Nigeria and Bayer Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface has enjoyed a remarkable season at club level.
On individual merit, he should be ahead of Sebastian Haller in the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the year race but his non-participation at the last AFCON hands the Ivorian a slight advantage.
Following his return from a three month long injury, Victor Boniface has played a crucial role in helping Leverkusen clinch the German Bundesliga title in remarkable style, reach the DFB Pokal final and also book a place in the Europa League final where another contender, Ademola Lookman awaits in Atalanta colours.
Recently, Victor Boniface was named German Bundesliga Rookie of the season award winner, a testament of his outstanding contribution to Leverkusen’s unbeaten season.
ODILON KOSSOUNO
Because of his position as a defender, Bayer Leverkusen star, Odilon Kossouno has not received the credit he deserves for a stellar performance for club and country.
In 34 Appearances in all competitions, Odilon has already won the Africa Cup of Nations and German Bundesliga titles with the DFB Pokal and UEFA Europa League titles in view.
On a personal note, Odilon has had a more balanced season that Haller and Boniface and so deserves a mention in this race.
BRAHIM DIAZ
Real Madrid and Morocco star is another name, worthy of mention in the race for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year Crown.
In 43 appearances in all competitions, Diaz has scored 12 Goals and served 6 assists. Having already won the Spanish La Liga title, Brahim could still add the UEFA Champions League crown to get in strong contention.
This is one name that has not been mentioned enough in this race but his performance deserves a spot.
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN
Super Eagles of Nigeria and Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman completes the top five.
Lookman had a remarkable Nations Cup outing for Nigeria, scoring three goals as Nigeria clinched silver in Ivory Coast.
At club level, Ademola Lookman’s club, Atalanta had an average season in Serie A but have bounced into the UEFA Europa League final.
If he fires Atalanta to the UEFA Europa League title, expect Ademola Lookman to push further up this ranking.
CONCLUSION
There is no Victor Osimhen in this race. The current holder has endured a difficult season with Napoli and also did not bang a lot of goals at the AFCON where Nigeria finished in second place.
Expect the next CAF Men’s Player of the Year to emerge from this top five.
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