If a Nigerian wins, it will definitely be a joyful one

Former Nigeria international and former youth coach Emmanuel Amuneke has said he is backing Super Eagles player Ademola Lookman as he vie for the next CAF Player of the Year award.

Lookman had an excellent performance for both his Italian club Atalanta and Nigeria’s Super Eagles, scoring three goals to help the Eagles reach the 2023 AFCON finals and being named in the Team of the Tournament.

He played a key role as Atalanta reached the Coppa Italia final, where they lost 1-0 to Serie A giants Juventus, and he produced a world-class performance in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, scoring a hat-trick to help his club to a 3-0 victory.

He took his club form to Nigeria, scoring twice in the 3-0 win over the Republic of Benin.

His impressive performances for both club and country earned him a nomination for the 30-man shortlist for the Balon d’Or, making him the only African to feature on the list.

Amuneke, who won the CAF Player of the Year award in 1994, said Lookman’s rise comes as no surprise to him.

Amuneke told SportsBoom about the former Everton and Leicester striker’s performances

“He is eligible (to be crowned CAF Player of the Year) if he continues the way he is doing.”

“I watched the last match against Rwanda and his performance was excellent. It shows that he has been able to consolidate with African football.

“When I won, I think Ikpeba won it again, and then Kanu. If a Nigerian wins it next time, it will definitely be a joyous one. It is a great motivation that shows that the future is bright for our young players.

“We need to continue to support our players, both in Europe and in our local leagues. We all need each other to form the ecological system that governs our football, so that our football can grow.”

The gold medallist at the 1994 AFCON Games and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics also praised Victor Osimhen’s recent loan spell to Galatasaray.

“Galatasaray is a big club and it is good that Osimhen is playing under a great coach who understands the importance of hard work.
work.”