Nigerian stars Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen have been shortlisted for the prestigious IFFHS Men’s World Best Player Award 2024.
Nigerian internationals Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen have made the prestigious shortlist of 30 players nominated for the 2024 International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) Men’s World Best Player Award.
This recognition highlights their remarkable contributions to both club and country over the past season.
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Ademola Lookman, who is also a frontrunner for the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, enjoyed a sensational campaign with Atalanta, leading the Italian club to its first-ever UEFA Europa League title.
The 27-year-old winger showcased his skills in the final match against Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored an impressive hat-trick.
Over the course of the season, Lookman netted 17 goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions.
His impact was further felt on the international stage, where he contributed three goals in seven appearances during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), helping the Super Eagles secure the runners-up position.
Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Turkish champions Galatasaray, also had a strong season with Napoli, scoring 15 goals in 25 league appearances.
The 25-year-old striker continues to be a pivotal player for both his club and the Nigerian national team, demonstrating his prowess as a forward.
Both players will face stiff competition for the IFFHS award. They are up against last year’s winner Erling Haaland, along with Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior. Other notable nominees include Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Manchester City’s Rodri.
Real Madrid leads the nominations with seven players, while Manchester City and Arsenal have four each, and Bayern Munich has three.
The IFFHS World Best Player Award is one of the most prestigious individual accolades in football, recognising the top performers from around the globe. The winner will be announced later this year.
