Ademola Lookman: Why Nigeria Star is One of the Favourites for CAF's 2024 Player of the Year Award

• Ademola Lookman impressed as Atalanta reached the Europa League final
• He will be in his third final of 2024 after also advancing in the Coppa Italia
• The Nigeria forward has been tipped as one of the favourites for CAF POTY

Ademola Lookman has become one of the frontrunners for CAF's 2024 African Player of the Year award after an outstanding run with both club and country this year.

The 26-year-old starred as Atalanta reached their second final of the year following victory over Olympique Marseille in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night, May 9.

Lookman scored and provided an assist in the 3-0 win in Bergamo as the Italians strolled to a 4-1 aggregate win.

The Super Eagles star has been influential for Atalanta this season, delivering the goods at key moments, including scoring in the semi-final of the Coppa Italia against Fiorentina.

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According to Squawka Live, the English-born Nigerian has made 20 goal contributions this season for the Serie A team.

This puts him ahead of another player mentioned in the CAF Player of the Year award debate, Mohammed Kudus, who has made 19 goal contributions for West Ham United in this campaign.

Lookman's run at the Africa Cup of Nations also gives him the edge over not only Kudus but also his compatriot, Victor Boniface, who missed the competition due to injury.

The Atalanta forward scored three goals during the knockout stages of the AFCON as the Super Eagles finished the competition in second place.

The ultimate showdown between the two Nigerians will be in the final of the Europa League, when the Italian side faces the currently unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen, per UEFA.

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Elsewhere, the current 'king of African football', Victor Osimhen's chances have been blighted by Napoli's poor form this season while injuries have also played a role in his struggles.

Veteran forward, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, could make a claim for himself but Gabon's absence from the AFCON and losing to a Lookman-inspired performance limits his chances.

Should Lookman win the Coppa Italia and the Europa League, he would definitely have a serious shot at the POTY prize despite seven more months remaining to be played in 2024.

Lookman inspires Atalanta to Europa League final

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Lookman scored and provided an assist as Atalanta defeated Olympique Marseille to reach the final of the Europa League.

The Nigerian forward is now in his third final of 2024 after starring at the Africa Cup of Nations and the Coppa Italia, in what has been a remarkable season.