Sport
“Ademola Lookman Deserves It” – Cédric Bakambu Backs Nigerian Star for CAF Award
Real Betis forward, Cédric Bakambu, has thrown his support behind Nigerian star Ademola Lookman for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
Lookman’s stellar performances for both his club, Atalanta, and the Nigerian national team have placed him among the top contenders for the prestigious title.
Bakambu, a 33-year-old Congolese international, expressed his belief that Lookman has demonstrated the quality and consistency needed to follow in the footsteps of fellow Nigerian, Victor Osimhen, who won the award in 2023.
Speaking during an interview with Sporty Show, Bakambu acknowledged the fierce competition but remained firm in his choice.
“It’s tough because Mohamed Salah is in great form right now.
But if I had to pick, in my opinion, I’d go with Lookman, the Atalanta player,” Bakambu said.
“He truly deserves it. He’s had an incredible year, but we’ll see what happens.”
Lookman, who joined Atalanta in 2022, has had a breakout year in 2024.
His pivotal role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph and his consistent performances in Serie A have earned him widespread praise.
He also shined for Nigeria during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where his goals and attacking flair helped the Super Eagles reach the final.
Meanwhile, the competition for the CAF award remains fierce, with Salah, the Egyptian forward for Liverpool, also having a strong case for the title due to his relentless goal-scoring form.
Chelsea player Enzo Fernández is in discussions to join Manchester City. This information was revealed by Fabrizio Romano, who shared that the two clubs are discussing a potential deal.
He wrote: “Enzo Fernández has a verbal agreement with Manchester City on personal terms.
“Deal depends on club-to-club decision, as #MCFC have not sent an official bid yet, but contacts will take place soon; decision on price is up to Chelsea.
“Enzo could be out again this weekend.”
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca mentions his captains for the team. He mentions Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland.
He shared “We have experienced players. For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four or five more days until the transfer window closes to see if we can add one or two more captains to Ruben [Dias] and Erling , who at the moment are the two captains.”
Maresca confirmed the pair as part of his leadership group ahead of the 2026/27 season, with two more captains expected to be selected after the transfer window closes.
Chelsea manager speaks on the team and shares thoughts on considering a change in goalkeepers, giving another goalkeeper, Mike Penders, a chance.
“Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first.”
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