Former Nigeria international and former youth team coach, Emmanuel Amuneke has said he supports Super Eagles player, Ademola Lookman to become the next CAF Player of the Year winner.
Lookman has been outstanding for both his Italian club Atalanta and the Super Eagles of Nigeria scoring three goals to help the Eagles reach the 2023 AFCON final and was named in the Team of the Tournament.
He played a key role as Atalanta got to the final of the Coppa Italia where they lost 1-0 to Serie A giants Juventus and put up a world class performance in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen as he bagged a hat-trick to help his club to a 3-0 win.
He carried his club form to Nigeria and bagged a brace in the 3-0 win against Benin Republic..
His impressive performance for both club and country saw him nominated in the 30-man Balon d’Or shortlist making him the only African to make the list.
Amuneke, who won the CAF Player of the Year award in 1994 said Lookman’s rise to prominence is no surprise to him.
Speaking on the former Everton and Leicester forward’s displays, Amuneke told SportsBoom
“He’s in line (to be crowned CAF Player of the Year winner) if he continues the way he is doing.”
“I watched the last game against Rwanda, and his performance was outstanding. It shows that he has been able to consolidate himself with African football.
“When I won it, I think Ikpeba won it again, and then Kanu. If a Nigerian wins it next, it is definitely a joyous one. It’s a thing of great motivation that shows the future is bright for our young players.
“We need to continue to support our players, both in Europe and in our local leagues. We all need one another to form the ecological system that governs our football, for our football to strive.”
The 1994 AFCON and Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medal winner, also praised Victor Osimhen’s recent loan move to Galatasaray.
“Galatasaray is a big club, and it’s a good thing for Osimhen to be playing under a great coach who understands the importance of hard
work.”