Former Royal Antwerp player and Nigerian national team coordinator, Patrick Pascal, has made a compelling case for Atalanta’s forward, Ademola Lookman, to be awarded the CAF Player of the Year title. Pascal, who also heads the Bauchi State Football Association, warned that failing to honor Lookman would invite intense scrutiny and backlash, both from fans and journalists globally.

Lookman’s performances have been nothing short of remarkable this season, dazzling fans with his skill, consistency, and results. Earlier this year, he led the Nigerian Super Eagles to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, scoring three crucial goals and providing an assist along the way. His heroics extended to the club stage, where he netted a memorable hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing Atalanta’s first-ever European title.

In a statement to Brila FM, Pascal passionately defended Lookman’s credentials, saying, “If Ademola Lookman doesn’t win this CAF award, journalists will finish CAF. The whole world will finish them. What are you going to tell people? So Ademola Lookman stands a good chance to win.”

This season, Lookman has continued his stellar form, amassing eight goals and five assists in just 14 appearances for Atalanta. The former Fulham and Everton star faces competition for the prestigious award, including his Nigerian compatriots William Troost-Ekong and reigning African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen.

CAF is set to announce the winner on December 16 in Marrakesh, Morocco, with fans eagerly anticipating whether Lookman’s outstanding year will receive the recognition Pascal believes it deserves.