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Ademola Lookman was Atalanta’s hero in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
With the European season drawing to a close, the race for that title is wide open, but Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman has emerged as the favorite after his thrilling performance in the Europa League final.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) last held an award ceremony in 2021. However, the NFF has announced the introduction of a virtual monthly award, but what if the Sunday Dankaro House leadership considers reviving the prestigious NFF Footballer of the Year award next ? Three years absence? Who will win the MVP award?
Lookman lights up Europe’s largest stage
For another year in a row, Nigerian athletes are not on Forbes rich list.
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The 26-year-old winger has been a revelation for Atalanta this season. Although he has consistently produced impressive performances in Serie A, it is his dominant performances on the biggest stage that really announce him to the world. In a one-sided Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, Lookman single-handedly stole the show, scoring a stunning hat-trick.
His clinical finish ended Leverkusen’s record unbeaten run and secured Atalanta’s first ever European title. This feat etched Lookman’s name in history: he became the first African player to score a hat-trick in a European League final, and only the sixth player ever to achieve the feat in the final of one of UEFA’s major competitions.
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Ademola Lookman lifts the European League title after a historic display against Bayer Leverkusen.
More than just a final flourish
Lookman’s impact goes beyond his heroics in the final. He has been a key figure in Gian Piero Gasperini’s side throughout the season, contributing a total of 15 goals and 8 assists in all competitions. His versatility and attacking threat have been crucial to Atalanta’s success in both Serie A and the Europa League.
Lookman’s impressive form extends to international duty. He was a regular in the Super Eagles’ squad at the Africa Cup of Nations, earning a place in the team of the tournament after scoring three goals and providing two assists and helping Nigeria reach the final. This international success enhances his chances of receiving an NFF award.
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Ademola Lookman lifts the European League title || Image credit: imago
Boniface and Osimhen are still in dispute
While Lookman appears to be the favorite, two other Nigerian strikers are worth mentioning in the race. Victor Boniface, the 23-year-old Bayer Leverkusen striker, has enjoyed a fantastic season in Germany. He was instrumental in helping Leverkusen win the Bundesliga title and contributed 21 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.
However, Boniface’s dream of a treble was shattered after Lookman’s heroic performance in the Europa League final. While Leverkusen still has a chance to win the DFB-Pokal final, Lookman’s individual impact and the Europa League trophy outweigh Boniface’s achievements.
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Victor Osimhen has scored 15 goals in Serie A this season. (Imago/Laprice)
CAF Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen cannot be completely ruled out either. Although Napoli failed to achieve silverware this season, Osimhen maintained his reputation as a prolific goalscorer. With a respectable 17 goals and 3 assists in 30 Serie A appearances, he remains one of Africa’s most dangerous strikers.
However, Osimhen’s lack of silverware and slightly lower overall influence compared to Lookman weakened his claim to the NFF award.
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Johnson Blessing at the BayArena with Victor Boniface after Leverkusen’s win. (Image source: Boniface/X)
Ndidi’s transformation is worthy of appreciation
While the NFF award has traditionally focused on offensive prowess, it is important to recognize the remarkable turnaround that Wilfred Ndidi has achieved. The 27-year-old midfielder has become a mainstay in Leicester City’s midfield, developing from a defensive shield into a more dynamic midfielder under manager Enzo Maresca.
Ndidi played a pivotal role in Leicester’s triumphant return to the Premier League, contributing directly to 12 goals and 6 assists in 35 Championship matches. His hard work ethic, improved passing range and goal scoring threat have added a new dimension to his game.
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Ndidi celebrates with the team || Instagram
However, given the historical focus on offensive contributions, it is unlikely that Ndidi will be a serious contender for the NFL Player of the Year award.
Verdict: Lookman’s stellar season makes him a favorite
Based on his trophy case, his historic performance in a major European final, his consistent contributions throughout the season, and an impressive performance in the Africa Cup of Nations, Ademola Lookman appears to be the favorite for the NFF Player of the Year award. However, the final decision rests with the NFF Awards Committee, and may consider factors beyond pure statistics.
Victor Boniface and Victor Osimhen also had strong seasons, but Lookman’s achievements on the biggest stage and overall impact throughout the year make him the most likely candidate to be crowned NFF Player of the Year in 2024.
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