Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi has publicly expressed his frustration after losing the coveted CAF African Player of the Year award to Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman.
The announcement was made during a grand ceremony in Marrakesh, Morocco, on Monday. Lookman, who plays for Atalanta in Italy, edged out Hakimi and other top contenders to claim the prestigious title.
Hakimi, visibly frustrated, aired his grievances following PSG’s midweek clash against Monaco. The Moroccan defender was seen conversing with teammate Ilyas Ben Seghir, reportedly sharing his shock over the award’s outcome.
“They (CAF) made me believe that I won it,” Hakimi said in French, as captured on video and shared widely on social media.
His remarks have since ignited debates among football fans, with many questioning the fairness of the selection process.
Ademola Lookman’s triumph comes as no surprise to Nigerian fans who have closely followed his exceptional performances in 2023 and 2024.
The Super Eagles winger played a crucial role in leading Nigeria to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Although Nigeria fell short in the final, Lookman’s contributions on the pitch were undeniable.
In addition, Lookman helped Atalanta clinch their first-ever European trophy, cementing his status as one of Africa’s brightest football stars.
While Lookman’s victory was celebrated by many, the outcome sparked outrage among Moroccan fans. They argued that Hakimi, who won the Ligue 1 title with PSG, deserved the award.
Moroccan media outlet al3omk highlighted the widespread disappointment in the country, with some fans accusing CAF of bias.
“Hakimi has been a consistent performer at the highest level in Europe,” one fan lamented online. “How does CAF overlook that?”
Others, however, pointed out that Lookman’s contributions went beyond club achievements, as he also shone on the international stage with Nigeria.
Ademola Lookman’s win marks a significant milestone for Nigeria in African football.
He becomes the sixth Nigerian to win the prestigious award, joining legends like Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba. Nigeria now ranks second behind Côte d’Ivoire in the number of Player of the Year winners.
The award further solidifies Nigeria’s growing dominance in African football, both at the individual and team levels.
Lookman’s statistics this season speak volumes about his deserving victory.
The Atalanta forward has already scored 11 goals and provided five assists, propelling his club to the top of the Serie A standings. His ability to perform in crucial moments has made him a fan favourite in Italy and Nigeria alike.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised Lookman’s consistency, saying, “This award reflects his dedication, skill, and passion for the game.”
For Achraf Hakimi, this setback is likely to fuel his determination to claim the award in the future.
The Moroccan defender remains one of the best right-backs in the world, with his performances for PSG and the Moroccan national team earning widespread acclaim.
However, analysts believe that individual brilliance alone may not be enough. CAF often considers contributions to national teams as a critical factor, which may have tipped the scale in Lookman’s favour.
