Emmanuel Amuneke backs Ademola Lookman to succeed Victor Osimhen as Africa's best

Former Nigeria international, Emmanuel Amuneke, has tipped Ademola Lookman to follow in the footsteps of Victor Osimhen and win the CAF Player of the Year award.

Osimhen won the award last year after leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades.

Meanwhile, Lookman has enjoyed an impressive season both domestically and internationally and is now considered a strong contender for the award.

The 26-year-old winger played a major role in Nigeria's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, scoring three goals in seven appearances.

He also starred in Atalanta's UEFA Europa League triumph, netting a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.

Emmanuel Amuneke believes that Ademola Lookman has done enough to win the CAF Player of the Year award.

"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," Amuneke told SportsBoom via Complete Sports.

"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," Amuneke added.

Lookman's outstanding performances have also earned him a place on the 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist, the only African player to cut.