SportsNews
BREAKING: Boniface misses out as Lookman, Ekong make CAF Player of the Year shortlist
The Confederation of African Football has unveiled its much-anticipated shortlist for the 2024 Men’s Player of the Year award, featuring Nigerian talents Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong among the distinguished nominees.
However, a post by CAF on Thursday via X (formerly Twitter) disclosed that in-form striker Victor Boniface and reigning titleholder Victor Osimhen were notably absent from the final selection.
The ten-man shortlist includes a strong North African presence, with Morocco’s defensive powerhouses Achraf Hakimi and Sofiane Rahimi among the nominees, alongside Algeria’s Amine Gouiri.
Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra also features after a stellar club season, while DR Congo’s Chancel Mbemba and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy have earned their places following outstanding performances throughout the year.
Completing the list are Burkina Faso’s Edmond Tapsoba and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, reflecting the breadth of talent across the African continent.
- Boniface doubtful for Leverkusen’s UCL clash today
- Leverkusen’s Boniface to miss Champions League after car crash
- International duty affected Lookman’s fitness — Gasperini
The nominees, representing various top leagues in Europe and Africa, highlight the increasing global impact of African football.
This year’s selection blends established football stars with emerging talent, all recognised for their exceptional performances and consistency throughout 2024.
The CAF Awards 2024 will determine who will succeed Osimhen as Africa’s top player, with the ceremony set to celebrate the finest football talent from across the continent.
Super Eagles playmaker, Alex Iwobi, has admitted they are waiting to see if the team would still play at the 2026 World Cup.
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, is optimistic of a potential lifeline from FIFA, after it submitted a petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Iwobi was asked by SuperSport if he would rather lift the AFCON 2025 trophy or qualify for the World Cup?
The 29-year-old, who played at the 2018 of the World Cup, replied: “I mean we’re still waiting, well hopefully we can go to the World Cup, but I feel it’s a tough one.
“It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is like… It’s a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have like in your career, a memorable moment.
“But then at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t been. They would like to say ‘I want to go to the World Cup,’ so I can’t be selfish and say win the AFCON and for my teammates to not go to the World Cup. So it’s a tough one. I don’t know. I don’t know.”
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE OF THE SUPER EAGLES ON THE PASSING OF HIS MOTHER
President Bola Tinubu sends his condolences
to Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze on the passing of his mother.
The President also extends his sympathies to the family and friends of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, who passed away on Thursday.
President Tinubu mourns with the Chukwueze family and encourages them to find solace in the memory and legacy of their late matriarch.
“The passing of Mrs Chukwueze, the mother of one of our bright football stars, just a few days after the passing of Super Eagles’ captain Wilfred Ndidi’s father, is deeply saddening.
I mourn with them, and I am with them in prayers during this difficult time,” the President says.
President Tinubu prays that God Almighty will grant the departed eternal rest.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
Arsenal’s starting XI to face Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday evening has been unveiled.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opted to start Gabriel Jesus ahead of Viktor Gyokeres to lead the Gunners’ attack against the Red Devils.
This comes after Jesus scored a brace against Inter Milan in the Champions League in midweek.
The Brazilian will be assisted by Bukayo Saka and Leandro on the wings.
In midfield, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard return to join Martin Zubimendi.
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