A list released on Friday by the global football governing body reveals that Lookman, who plays for Atalanta in Italy’s Serie A, has been nominated for the Best Attacker award.
He will compete against stars such as Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal, Bukayo Saka, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Lookman had a stellar season, helping Atalanta secure the Europa League title, and has continued his strong form this year.
He also played a key role in leading Nigeria to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where the Super Eagles narrowly lost to hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
Lookman is also a frontrunner for the CAF Player of the Year award, set to be announced next month.
Nigeria’s stand-in captain, Troost-Ekong, is nominated in the Best Defender category, where he will compete with the likes of Arsenal’s William Saliba, Manuel Akanji, Antonio Rüdiger, and Dani Carvajal.
Oshoala, a record multiple winner of the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, has been shortlisted for the newly introduced Marta Award, which honors the best goal in women’s football.
She earned her place for her stunning acrobatic goal for Barcelona Femeni against Benfica in the Women’s Champions League in November 2024.
In the men’s category, Onuachu, the Southampton forward, is in the running for the Puskás Award for the best goal, thanks to his skillful flick for Trabzonspor in their 2-1 victory over Konyaspor on November 10, 2023.
Among the men’s Best Player nominees, Lionel Messi leads the pack. The Inter Miami forward’s inclusion has sparked debates, as he will compete for the title alongside Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Toni Kroos, and Federico Valverde.
The 2024 FIFA Best Awards will be determined by votes from both fans and an expert panel. Voting is open on the FIFA website until December 2024.FIFA Best Awards Nominees
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