AFCON 2025
The reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman returned to the pitch with a goal after receiving his award on Monday last week.
Ademola Lookman started for Atalanta and scored the second goal as the league leaders edged Empoli 3-2 on Sunday.
The Super Eagles forward is already showing signs that he’s the favorite to retain his award ahead of the next edition in 2025.
Ademola Lookman dethroned Victor Osimhen to win the award but he might be dethroned by a non-Nigerian.
Mohammed Salah – arguably the most popular Egyptian in the world is the biggest threat to Ademola Lookman’s throne in this moment.
Salah is having a terrific season for Liverpool so far this season with 15 goals and 11 assists in the league – the first player to do so before Christmas in the history of the Premier League.
The post underscores three reasons why Salah will probably dethrone Lookman in next year’s award.
1. Major Honors
Atalanta and Liverpool are having a very impressive season so far both in Europe – the Champions League as well as their respective domestic leagues – Serie A and Premier League..
However, given Liverpool’s experience, the Reds are favorites to win the Champions and Premier League which will put Salah ahead in the race over Ademola Lookman.
La Dea are Europa League champions but the second tier of Europe club’s competition is nothing compared to the Champions League.
Atalanta currently top the Serie A and are definitely in the race to win it. However, La Dea are not familiar with this position which demands a high level of consistency through out the season.
Atalanta have never won the league and they could win it this season but with defending champions Inter Milan and former champions Napoli chasing, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men might fall by the way side at some point in the season.
2. Individual Honours
The 2025 African Footballer of the Year Award will most likely be decided on players achievements for their clubs given that the African Cup of Nations will hosted in December.
However, the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series might also be a factor but it cannot be compared to major club honours and individual accolades.
Mohammed Salah has already reached a milestone in the Premier League this season with 15 goals and 11 assists.
No player in the history of the Premier League has ever done this before Christmas but Salah has done it effortlessly in 16 games.
Ademola Lookman is also doing well in the Serie A with nine goals and four assists 17 matches.
If you could place a bet on who is most likely to win the golden boot among these two players at the end of the season, who will it be?
Your guess is as good as mine.
3. World Cup Qualification
Mohammed Salah currently top the scorers chart in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification series for CAF with five goals in after four matches.
Egypt currently top Group A with 10 points after 4 matches and will most likely qualify for the World Cup with probably a game or two to spare.
However, Ademola Lookman and the Super Eagles are struggling in the qualification series.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year is yet to score a goal and the Super Eagles of Nigeria are not in a good place at the standings.
The three-time African champions have just three points from four matches as they head into the remaining six matches 2025.
Ademola Lookman and the Super Eagles will go into the remaining six matches under a lot of pressure and this might overwhelm Lookman who will shoulder the responsibility of helping the team secure qualification.
