Former Royal Antwerp player and Nigerian national team coordinator Patrick Pascal has issued a bold statement, warning that Ademola Lookman’s omission from the CAF Player of the Year (POTY) award would spark widespread outrage.
Pascal, a vocal supporter of Lookman’s nomination, expressed that the Atalanta forward’s exceptional performances this year have positioned him as the clear favorite, Soccernet.ng reports.
Lookman has shone for both club and country, playing a critical role for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier in the year, where he scored three goals and provided an assist, leading the Super Eagles to the final.
On the club front, he cemented his status with a historic hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final, helping Atalanta secure its first European title.
Pascal, also chair of the Bauchi State Football Association, underscored the significance of Lookman’s achievements in an interview with Brila FM.
“If Ademola Lookman doesn’t win this CAF award, journalists will finish CAF. The whole world will finish them,” Pascal declared, “What are you going to tell people? So Ademola Lookman stands a good chance to win.”
Lookman’s form this season has only strengthened his case, with the forward netting eight goals and providing five assists in 14 appearances for Atalanta.
He faces tough competition, however, from fellow Nigerian and current titleholder Victor Osimhen and teammate William Troost-Ekong, along with eight other African stars.
The CAF Player of the Year award ceremony will take place on December 16 in Marrakesh, Morocco, where the football world will watch closely to see if Lookman’s stellar year earns him the coveted prize.
