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Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman could become the latest Nigerian to win the coveted CAF African Men's Player of the Year award, but which of the country's greats have come before him?
The CAF African Men’s Footballer of the Year award is one of the most prestigious accolades in African football, celebrating the continent’s finest talent annually.
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Over the years, Nigerian players have stood tall on this platform, earning recognition for their stellar performances and contributions to the beautiful game.
As Ademola Lookman emerges as a front-runner for the 2024 title, he aims to join a distinguished list of Nigerian legends who have previously lifted the coveted award.
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With his extraordinary year at Atalanta and the Super Eagles, Lookman is looking to follow in the footsteps of these iconic players.
Rashidi Yekini — 1993
Rashidi Yekini etched his name in Nigerian football history as the first Super Eagles star to win the CAF Footballer of the Year award in 1993.
Known for his powerful shots and love for finding the back of the net, Yekini’s incredible form was evident during the 1992 African Cup of Nations, where he finished as the top scorer and helped Nigeria secure a bronze medal.
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Yekini’s exploits extended to the Portuguese league with Vitória Setúbal, where he scored an astonishing 30 goals in 30 matches during the 1992/93 season, earning him the coveted CAF African Footballer of the Year award.
His contributions to Nigerian football remain unmatched as the country’s all-time top scorer, and his award announced the beginning of Nigeria’s recognition on the African football stage.
Emmanuel Amuneke — 1994
Following Yekini’s maiden triumph, Emmanuel Amuneke ensured Nigeria retained the CAF Footballer of the Year award a year later by delivering outstanding performances both domestically and internationally.
His two goals in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations against Zambia secured Nigeria’s first continental triumph in 14 years, and he played a key role in helping the Super Eagles qualify for their first FIFA World Cup that same year.
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Amuneke was also one of the Super Eagles’ stars at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, scoring against Bulgaria and Italy, to further prove his quality.
He was rewarded for his fine form with the Super Eagles with the 1994 CAF Player of the year award ahead of Liberian legend George Weah and compatriot Rashidi Yekini.
Victor Ikpeba — 1997
The prince of Monaco, Victor Ikpeba, became the fourth Nigerian to win the CAF Footballer of the Year award in 1997.
At just 24 years old, Ikpeba’s exceptional season with AS Monaco in the French Ligue 1 earned him the accolade ahead of two of his teammates—Chad’s Japhet N'Doram, who also played for Monaco, as well as Super Eagles star Taribo West.
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Ikpeba scored 26 goals across all competitions during the 1996/97 season, helping Monaco secure a league and cup double, and his performances in the UEFA Cup, where he finished as the second-highest scorer, further helped seal his CAF POTY award.
Nwankwo Kanu — 1996, 1999
Nwankwo Kanu remains a unique figure in Nigerian football history, being the only Nigerian to win the CAF Footballer of the Year award twice.
His first triumph came in 1996 after he led Nigeria to Olympic gold in Atlanta, scoring at crucial times for the Dream Team, including two memorable goals against Brazil in the semi-finals.
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Kanu’s second win in 1999 came after a successful stint with Arsenal in the English Premier League, where he starred for the Gunners despite battling a heart condition for most of the previous year, earning him a well-deserved second CAF accolade.
Kanu beat Weah and Daniel Amokachi to his first award in 1997, and then Samuel Kuffour and Ibrahima Bakayoko to the second title in 1999.
Victor Osimhen — 2023
After 24 years without a winner, Victor Osimhen ended Nigeria’s long wait for another CAF Footballer of the Year when he clinched the award in 2023.
Osimhen succeeded where the likes of Jay Jay Okocha and John Obi Mikel had failed as his remarkable performances for Napoli, including a league-best 26 goals, guided the Italian side to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
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Osimhen’s achievements extended to international recognition, as he finished eighth in the Ballon d’Or rankings and earned a nomination for FIFA’s The Best awards that year as well.
Osimhen won the award convincingly, beating competition from Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah to be named CAF African Men’s Footballer of the Year for 2023.
Could Ademola Lookman be the next Nigerian CAF African Footballer of the Year winner?
Ademola Lookman’s scintillating form in 2024 has positioned him as a strong contender for the CAF African Men’s Footballer of the Year award.
With 21 goals and 12 assists this calendar year, his contributions for Atalanta and the Nigerian national team have been nothing short of exceptional.
Lookman helped Nigeria reach the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, scoring three goals on the way, while he became the first player to score a hat-trick in a one-legged Men's European final since Pierino Prati in 1969, helping Atalanta clinch their first European honours with the Europa League title in 2024.
His heroics earned him a Ballon d'Or nomination, where he finished 14th, becoming the first Atalanta player to be nominated for the prestigious global award.
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