Although CAF is yet to unveil the nominees for the 2024 African Player of the Year (APOTY) award, one player tipped to the prestigious accolade is Ademola Lookman.
Lookman’s name has been trending on social media in recent weeks, especially in discussions about the African Player of the Year award, thanks to his outstanding performances for Atalanta and the Super Eagles.
The 2023/2024 Europa League final hat-trick hero is the only African included in the 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, further strengthening the belief that he could succeed Victor Osimhen as the best player on the continent.
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As everyone eagerly awaits the announcement of the CAF nominees, Completesports.com’s JAMES AGBEREBI profiles seven Nigerian football legends who came close to winning the African Player of the Year award.
Segun Odegbami (1977, 1980)
The legendary Segun Odegbami was the first Nigerian to have a shot at the African Player of the Year award when he made the final three shortlists in 1977 and 1980.
Unfortunately, he placed third in the 1977 APOTY awards, won by Tunisia’s Tarak Dhiab, while Papa Camara of Guinea finished second.
Odegbami came close again in 1980 after helping Nigeria win the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil. The winger bagged a brace in the final against Algeria, which ended 3-0.
However, he could only finish second behind Cameroon’s Jean Manga-Onguene, while the late Théophile Abega, also from Cameroon, was third.
Austin Okocha (1998, 2003, 2004)
The former Super Eagles captain came close on three occasions but was not fortunate enough to win the prestigious individual award.
Following his impressive performances for Fenerbahçe in Turkey and the Super Eagles at the 1998 World Cup in France, many believed Okocha had done enough to be crowned the best player on the continent.
However, he had to settle for second place behind Morocco’s Mustapha Hadji, who edged him by 76 votes to 74. Okocha’s Super Eagles teammate, Sunday Oliseh, was third with 58 votes.
Okocha was in the running again in 2003 APOTY award, competing against Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o and Côte d’Ivoire’s Didier Drogba. Okocha finished third, with Drogba second and Eto’o taking the ultimate crown.
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In 2004, Okocha was shortlisted once more alongside Eto’o and Drogba. Having been named the Most Valuable Player at AFCON 2004 and helping Bolton Wanderers reach the League Cup final, many hoped he would finally win the award.
But just like the previous year, Eto’o retained the APOTY title, while Drogba, who had excelled for Marseille as they reached the UEFA Cup final, was runner-up, with Okocha placing third.
Daniel Amokachi (1995, 1996)
Known as “The Bull” during his playing days, Daniel Amokachi came close twice to being named African Player of the Year.
In 1995, after helping Everton win the FA Cup in his first season, scoring two goals in the 4-1 semi-final victory against Tottenham Hotspur, Amokachi placed third. George Weah won the APOTY award, with Emmanuel Amuneke finishing second.
Amokachi was a finalist again in 1996, contending with Weah and his international teammate, Nwankwo Kanu. Despite playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s Dream Team, which won the gold medal at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics, he once again finished third, with Kanu taking the APOTY title and Weah placing second.
Taribo West (1997)
Regarded as one of the best defenders to emerge from Nigeria and Africa, Taribo West was a finalist for the 1997 African Player of the Year award.
His inclusion on the final shortlist came as no surprise, as he had been impressive for French club Auxerre in the league and helped them reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
However, West had to settle for third place, with the APOTY award going to Victor Ikpeba, then of AS Monaco. Japhet N’Doram of Chad was second.
Sunday Oliseh (1998)
Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh also came close to winning the APOTY award, making the final three shortlist in 1998.
After helping Ajax win the Eredivisie title in 1997-98 season, he carried his impressive form into the 1998 World Cup in France, scoring one of the tournament’s best goals in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Spain.
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However, the APOTY title was given to Morocco’s Mustapha Hadji, with Okocha finishing second and Oliseh placing third.
John Obi Mikel (2013)
John Obi Mikel was a contender for the 2013 award following his impressive performances for the Super Eagles and Chelsea.
He played a key role in helping Nigeria win AFCON 2013 in South Africa and was also instrumental as Chelsea won the Europa League.
Despite these achievements, Mikel finished second, with Côte d’Ivoire’s Yaya Toure claiming the APOTY award. Mikel’s former Chelsea teammate Drogba finished third.
Vincent Enyeama (2014)
While playing for Ligue 1 side Lille, Vincent Enyeama was one of the final three shortlisted for the 2014 African Player of the Year award.
Enyeama was up against defending champion Yaya Touré and Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The legendary Nigerian goalkeeper finished third, with Toure retaining his APOTY title, while Aubameyang, who would win the award in 2015, placed second.
