Victor Osimhen has thrown his full support behind his Super Eagles teammate Ademola Lookman, predicting that Lookman will win the African Player of the Year award.
Osimhen praised Lookman for his outstanding performances for both club and country over the past year. Lookman, who plays for Atalanta in Serie A, has been a standout player, particularly noted for his contributions at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Côte d’Ivoire. During the tournament, Lookman scored three goals in seven matches and was named in the Team of the Tournament, showcasing his significant impact on the field.
In addition to his international success, Lookman made headlines with a remarkable hat-trick for Atalanta in the final of the UEFA Europa League against Bayer Leverkusen. This performance further solidified his reputation as one of Africa’s top football talents.
Osimhen, who has also had an impressive season, expressed his admiration for Lookman in an interview with the Counter Attack Podcast. He spoke highly of Lookman’s dedication and passion for the game, emphasizing that Lookman truly deserves the accolade.
“He’s a passionate guy, he does his job diligently. I’m really happy for him but of course we all know he’s going to win the African Player of the Year. One hundred percent for sure, he will win it,” Osimhen said.
He also highlighted Lookman’s representation of Nigeria on the international stage, viewing his potential award as a significant achievement for the country. “I already told him he’s bringing it home and he deserves it as he has done so well for us. It’s a win for Nigeria because he has represented us well. He has carried the team so he deserves his moment and I pray to God that he’s really going to win it,” Osimhen added.