Ademola Lookman gatecrashes African Player of the Year rankings after Europa League heroics

The race for the 2024 African Player of the Year award is heating up, with at least five players looking set to displace Victor Osimhen as the continent’s best footballer.

The Nigerian was crowned Africa’s best player in 2023 after leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years, but the club’s miserable 2023/24 campaign has most likely ruled him out this year.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has emerged as the leading candidate for the prestigious African award following his excellent season with Ligue 1 giants, Marseille.

Two-time African Player of the Year, Mohamed Salah, is also in contention for the 2024 award, while Nigeria has two players - Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman - vying for the gong.

Let's put the spotlight on the four players leading the power rankings for the 2024 African Player of the Year award.

CAF's 2024 POTY Power Rankings

1. Ademola Lookman

Lookman has had a stellar year to remember as the Nigerian forward played a key role in the Super Eagles' success at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, leading them to the silver medal in Ivory Coast.

The 26-year-old has racked up 20 goal contributions for Atalanta this season, netting 12 times and producing eight assists in all competitions. He netted a hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final on May 22.

Lookman has also stepped up in big matches this season as he scored the goals that sent his side to the Coppa Italia and Europa League finals.

2. Mohamed Salah

Salah did not hit his usual stride for Liverpool this season but the Egyptian has done enough to move to second in the power rankings for the 2024 CAF POTY award.

Individually, this season, only a few African players compare to the Egyptian, who has scored 25 goals in all competitions while providing 14 assists, making up 39 goal contributions in 42 starts for Liverpool.

3. Victor Boniface

Boniface made history with Bayer Leverkusen this season, helping the German club to their first Bundesliga title in over 100 years.

Despite missing the 2023 AFCON due to injury, the Nigerian ace is among the top contenders for the CAF POTY award after netting 19 goals and providing 10 assists in all competitions, summing up to a healthy 29 goal contributions in 31 games for Leverkusen.

4. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Aubameyang’s season has gone under the mainstream radar, but the Gabonese striker has been one of the best forwards in the world this season.

The 33-year-old almost single-handedly carried Olympique Marseille to the semi-finals of the Europa League with his goal contributions despite a poor domestic campaign.

Aubameyang has scored a whopping 28 goals and created 11 assists in all competitions this season.