By Kayode John
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is over the moon regarding his nominations for both the 2024 African Player of the Year award and the Ballon d’Or.
Lookman has been included in a 10-man shortlist for the biggest individual prize in African football and is in the running for the Ballon d’Or prize for best player in the world.
The Nigeria international scored a brace and registered two assists on Saturday night in Atalanta’s 6-1 thrashing of Hellas Verona in the Serie A.
Speaking with DAZN after the match, the 27-year-old expressed pride and delight in being recognised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
When asked if he was confident of winning it, Lookman replied: “I feel proud and I have to keep working, only then can these awards come.
“Being nominated for this award is special because it concerns my country.”
Lookman is the only African nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award which will be held on Monday in Paris, France.
“The nomination for the Ballon d’Or is something special for me and for the club, it’s a great moment,” he added.
“I’m very happy, last season’s successes were great and we need to continue like this.”
Last Thursday, Lookman was also nominated for the 2024 International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) Men’s World Best Player.
The former England youth international had an impressive campiagn last season, scoring 17 goals, including a hat-trick in the final of the 2024 Europa League to guide Atalanta to their first-ever European title.
Earlier in the year, Lookman played an important role as the Super Eagles reached the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
He scored three goals and bagged one assist in seven games, earning himself a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
