By Raymond Ebireri
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the final three-man shortlist for the BBC African Footballer of the Year 2024. Nigerian duo Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface have made the list, alongside Morocco’s Brahim Díaz.
The CAF award recognises athletes who have produced outstanding performances, leading to success for their club and country over the calendar year. Topping the shortlist is Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, who was in scintillating form last season, helping them win the Europa League trophy. He scored a hat-trick in the final—the first player ever to do so—and earned the Man of the Match award. Lookman was later named the club’s Player of the Season. For his national team, Lookman has also been impressive, with two goals in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Meanwhile, his fellow Nigerian counterpart, Victor Boniface, also delivered stellar performances for his club side, Bayer Leverkusen, in his debut season. He played an integral role in the club’s Bundesliga victory, their first major trophy, and the German Cup. Though he has struggled to find his form with the national team, he remains a key player in the squad and could bring a lot to the team if he rediscovers his scoring touch.
Brahim Díaz, who completes the final three-man list, achieved success with Real Madrid last season, winning La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup, and has already won the UEFA Super Cup this season. Though he did not play a key role in the club’s success last season and missed the 2024 AFCON, he showed flashes of brilliance at certain points during the season.
The award is scheduled for December 16th, 2024, in Marrakesh, Morocco, marking the third consecutive year Morocco will host the CAF awards.
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