Outrage erupted in Morocco following Achraf Hakimi’s loss to Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman in the race for the 2024 African Player of the Year.
The announcement at the CAF Awards in Marrakech left Moroccan fans and other analysts questioning the decision, as Lookman claimed the title of Africa’s best player, succeeding compatriot Victor Osimhen.
Lookman’s stellar year made him a standout contender. The Atalanta forward single-handedly led his club to a historic Europa League victory, netting a sensational hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, to mark the Italian side’s first European title.
On the international stage, Lookman was vital in Nigeria’s journey to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, contributing three goals and an assist, earning him a spot in the official Team of the Tournament.
Despite Lookman’s achievements, many Moroccan football experts felt Hakimi, the Atlas Lions captain and Paris Saint-Germain full-back, was more deserving.
As reported by ANS, Sports analyst Tawfiq Al-Sanhaji voiced his disappointment: “It’s a great regret for all Moroccan fans. Achraf Hakimi delivered exceptional performances with both PSG and the Moroccan national team this year.”
Others accused CAF of bias. Abdel Salam Kourahi alleged, “Perhaps there were internal calculations within CAF that tipped the scales in favour of Lookman over Hakimi.”
Moroccan fans also drew comparisons to Yassine Bounou’s exclusion in past years, despite his performance with Sevilla in the Europa League.
Lookman’s win means back-to-back victories for Nigeria, a feat last achieved in the 1996 and 1997 by legends Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba respectively.
