'He deserves it' - French-born DR Congo international backs Lookman to win African POTY

French-born Democratic Republic of Congo international, Cédric Bakambu has insisted that Ademola Lookman deserves to be named African Footballer of the Year despite Mohamed Salah's form. 

The Confederation of African Football omitted the Liverpool superstar from the list of nominees for the award, baffling many fans and pundits.

Salah had another breakout season with Liverpool in 2023-2024, registering 25 goals and 14 assists in forty-four appearances across all competitions.

The Egypt international continues to impress this season with thirteen goals in fourteen Premier League games, topping the scoring charts in the division.

Salah sustained a hamstring injury during the Africa Cup of Nations as Egypt were eliminated in the last sixteen by Democratic Republic of Congo.

The five contenders for the African Footballer of the Year are Ademola Lookman, Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast/Brighton & Hove Albion), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain) and Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns).

With national team performances heavily influencing the African Player of the Year selection, Lookman looks like the favorite to claim the title.

The Atalanta star played a pivotal role in Nigeria's journey to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, scoring three goals in seven matches and making the official Team of the Tournament.

When asked who he thinks will win the African Player of the Year or who he thinks deserves it, Cédric Bakambu said on the Sporty Show: "It's difficult because now Mohamed Salah is playing very well but if I have to choose, my opinion, I'll say Lookman, the player of Atalanta.

"He deserves it but after we will see."

Lookman is aiming to match the achievements of Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba and Victor Osimhen, past winners of the African Footballer of the Year.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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