The leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commended Nigerian Footballers who were honoured by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for their outstanding performances in the 2023/24 season for both the country and clubs.
SWAN in a statement by its President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through the Association’s Secretary-General Ikenna Okonkwo on Tuesday reckoned that the recent exploits of Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie who emerged as the CAF African Footballer of the Year and Women Goalkeeper of the Year are a testament of hard work and greater resilience.
While Lookman, Atalanta, and Super Eagles forward beat other nominees to win the gong for the first time, Nnadozie retained her crown which she won in 2023.
Also, the SWAN President hailed the country’s Senior Women’s Team, the Super Falcons, for remaining consistent and dominant in Africa with a gradual global impact.
“This is a proud moment for Nigerian football and with the continued exploits of the country’s talents over the years, with particular focus between 2023 and 2024.
“It is also good seeing that another Nigerian took the best Footballer crown from Victor Osimhen. It points to greater times ahead for the most populous nation in Africa. Indeed, there is hope,” he said.
The last time two Nigerians – Kanu Nwankwo and Victor Ikpeba won CAF’s best players won the continental award back-to-back was 27 years ago.
While Nwankwo scooped the award first in 1996, Ikpeba got the same in 1997.
So far, six Nigerians have emerged as Best Footballers in Africa, making Nigeria the nation with the most CAF men awards.
Emmanuel Amuneke, now a coach, and Rashidi Yekini of the blessed memory are the other Winners.
The number one sports writer in Nigeria added, “As a great football nation, there is for the Super Eagles to see these individuals’ previous and present feat as a tonic for more to come. At this point, Nigeria can’t afford to miss the for the second time consecutively.
“So all hands must be on deck to ensure that a 2026 World Cup ticket becomes a reality for Nigeria against all odds.”
Nigeria, the Benin Republic, and others in the same group are expected to return to the World Cup qualifiers come early 2025.
Already, Nigeria awaiting draws in January has booked the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations place.
