The race for the 2024 Africa Player of the Year award has reached its climax, with Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams making the final shortlist. Announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Monday, the list includes five contenders: Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, alongside Lookman and Williams.

Despite leading Nigeria to a silver medal at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this year, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, who was named AFCON’s Most Valuable Player, missed out on the final cut. His exclusion came after a season plagued by injuries, which disrupted his club form despite clinching a league title with PAOK before transferring to Saudi Arabian club Al-Kholood in the summer.

Meanwhile, Lookman’s stellar performances have put him as one of the top contenders for the prestigious accolade. The Atalanta winger played a key role in Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, scoring vital goals, and cemented his legacy by securing a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final to help Atalanta win their first-ever European trophy.

South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has also made a compelling case for the award with his impressive form for both club and country. His leadership between the posts has been vital in many of his team’s successes, putting him on track to possibly win the prestigious title.

The winners across all categories will be revealed at a glittering ceremony in Marrakesh, Morocco, on December 16, celebrating the finest talents in African football.