Last year's holder Victor Osimhen and 2022 winner Mohamed Salah were not named to the final shortlist, meaning a new star will be born.
The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has announced Nigerian Football Star and Italy-based striker, Ademola Lookman as the best male player in the continent for 2024.
This was announced at the award ceremony held on Monday night and on the CAF YouTube official page.
This year, five players on both the men's and women's sides are vying to be named the best football star from Africa in 2024.
Last year's holder Victor Osimhen and 2022 winner Mohamed Salah were not named to the final shortlist, meaning a new star will be born.
The nominees are Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast / Brighton), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea / Borussia Dortmund), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / PSG), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta), Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns). But Ademola Lukman was selected as the best-performing player from the African continent.
Another Nigeria, ππ‘π’ππ¦ππ€π ππ§πππ¨π³π’π was also crowned as Africa Womenβs Goalkeeper of the Year while the Nigerian Super Falcons was declared as Women Football Team of the year by CAF.
In October, Lookman was also ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon dβOr standings.
This was announced in Paris, France by the Ballon dβOr organiser.
The Nigerian international, who plays in Serie A for Atalanta, received his first nomination for the prestigious award.
The 27-year-old forward delivered standout performances that placed him in the global spotlight. Following impressive contributions for both club and country, Lookman has been recognised as one of the top football talents this year.