If trophies were awarded based solely on players’ popularity or star power, the Super Eagles would have won at least the last two editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, given the number of star players in the team.
Unfortunately, that is not the case, or else Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen would have claimed the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations title.
Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen are undeniably two of the biggest stars in world football today, not just on the continent, but globally.
Both players have followed similar career paths to achieve their current success with both club and country.
After struggling early in their European careers, the duo has now gained worldwide recognition.
Lookman and Osimhen have made significant impacts on both club and country and remain integral parts of their teams.
Despite their shared achievements, a few subtle differences separate them.
This post highlights why Ademola Lookman, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, currently ranks higher than Osimhen.
1. AFCON Impact
In his first major tournament with the Super Eagles, Ademola Lookman lived up to the hype.
The 27-year-old was arguably the team’s best player at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
Lookman scored three goals and provided one assist on the way to the final, which the Super Eagles lost to host Côte d’Ivoire in February.
In Osimhen’s absence during some matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Lookman delivered strong performances.
He scored two goals and had two legitimate goals disallowed in four matches during the qualifiers—one against Rwanda and the other against Libya.
2. European Impact
Osimhen is undoubtedly a Napoli legend, even though his relationship with the club appears strained at the moment.
He led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years during the 2022/2023 season and was named the league’s best striker.
However, Osimhen has struggled to replicate his success in the UEFA Champions League.
Twice, Napoli failed to progress beyond the second round, losing to AC Milan and Barcelona.
On the other hand, Ademola Lookman delivered Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy this year. He scored a hat-trick in the final, becoming the first player in the competition’s history to do so, against Bayer Leverkusen.
3. Tactical Adaptability
Osimhen is a classic number 9—a striker any coach would want in his team. His power, pace and technical ability make him one of the most sought-after strikers in the world today.
In contrast, Ademola Lookman offers much more. The forward can play on either wing, as a second striker, or even as a false 9.
Lookman has evolved from a winger to an inside forward and a potent goal-poacher.
The 27-year-old is comfortable with both feet, more skillful, and capable of scoring from long range.
Having Osimhen and Lookman on the same team would be like possessing two weapons of mass destruction. Any coach with sound tactical knowledge would use them to devastating effect.
However, if you had to choose between the two, wouldn’t it make more sense to pick the one that offers more versatility?
