CAF has been warned to hand Ademola Lookman the award for Player of the Year to avoid outrage across Nigeria.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Coordinator Patrick Pascal is confident Ademola Lookman deserves the CAF Player of the Year award.
Lookman's impressive performances for Atalanta and Nigeria make him the favourite to take home the coveted crown.
The 27-year-old starred at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), leading Nigeria to the final with three goals and an assist.
He also secured Atalanta's first-ever European title with a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final, a performance that catapulted him into Ballon d'Or consideration.
"Ademola Lookman stands a good chance to win," Pascal told Brila.
"If he doesn’t win this CAF award, journalists will finish CAF. The whole world will finish them."
"What are you going to tell people? he has to win."
09:10 - 12.11.2024
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This season, Lookman has continued his prolific form with eight goals and five assists in 14 appearances for Atalanta, as assumes his role as Serie A's best player.
The Super Eagles man will follow in the footsteps of Victor Osimhen, who took home the award last year.
A win would solidify Lookman's status as one of Africa's top players, and one of the best in Europe.