Cameroon star Boyomo backs Lookman to win CAF Player award

As anticipation builds for the 2024 CAF Africa Player of the Year award, Cameroon international Flavien Enzo Boyomo has thrown his support behind Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, describing the Atalanta forward as the favourite to claim the prestigious honor.

Boyomo’s endorsement adds to the growing chorus of support for Lookman ahead of the award ceremony on December 16, 2024.

Lookman, who made history as the first player to score a hat-trick in a European club competition final during Atalanta’s victory over Bayer Leverkusen last season, has been receiving significant backing from teammates, stakeholders, and fans since CAF released the final shortlist for the award.

Boyomo, who plays for Osasuna in Spain, is the latest to express confidence in Lookman’s chances, despite stiff competition from other nominees including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Algeria’s Amine Gouiri, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.

“I believe Lookman will win the African Ballon d’Or,” Boyomo said in an interview with Actu Cameroon. “He won the Europa League and he is the one who has the best chance of winning the trophy this year.”

Lookman’s nomination comes after a stellar 2023/24 season in which he was one of Europe’s most productive attacking players.

From April onward, Lookman recorded an impressive 14 goal contributions (eight goals and six assists), more than any other player across Europe’s top five leagues.

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His remarkable season peaked in the UEFA Europa League final, where he scored a historic hat-trick in Atalanta’s triumph over Bayer Leverkusen.

In total, Lookman ended the season with 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.

This season, Lookman has continued his exceptional form, with nine goals and five assists in just 16 appearances for Atalanta.

His standout performances have made him the overwhelming favorite for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award.

His remarkable journey also saw him finish 14th at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October, where he was the only African player nominated.

With his history-making achievements and ongoing brilliance, Lookman remains one of the frontrunners for the 2024 CAF award, with many believing that his consistent performances will see him take home the honor.