Seven victories, one nation: Nigeria’s African Player of The Year triumphs

No African nation has produced more CAF Player of the Year winners than Nigeria. Cameroon may boast 11 honours, but they were achieved by six different players, placing them level with Nigeria for individual accolades. PUNCH Sports Extra’s PETER AKINBO takes a closer look at the Nigerians whose monumental exploits earned them the CAF African Player of the Year award

Rashidi Yekini – 1993

Super Eagles record scorer Rashidi Yekini blazed the trail, becoming the first Nigerian to win the CAF African Player of the Year award in 1993. Known for his devastating power and relentless goal-scoring, Yekini’s victory was a culmination of years of brilliance.

In the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations, Yekini emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, netting four goals to lead Nigeria to a third-place finish. His exploits in Portugal with Vitória Setúbal, where he scored a staggering 30 goals during the 1992/93 season, sealed his status as Africa’s most lethal striker.

Yekini’s dedication, skill, and poise on the pitch earned him Africa’s highest football accolade, forever immortalising him as Nigeria’s first football king.

Emmanuel Amuneke – 1994

A year after Yekini’s triumph, Emmanuel Amuneke took up the mantle, showcasing Nigeria’s growing dominance in African football.

Amuneke’s heroics at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations were the defining moments of his career. In the final against Zambia, he delivered a virtuoso performance, scoring both goals in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory to secure their second AFCON title.

Later that year Amuneke excelled on the global stage, playing a key role for Nigeria at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States. His consistent brilliance and a move to Spanish giants Barcelona further underlined his standing as Africa’s best player.

Amuneke’s victory confirmed Nigeria’s place among Africa’s footballing elite.

Nwankwo Kanu – 1996, 1999

Nwankwo Kanu’s achievements are unparalleled in Nigerian football. The lanky forward remains the only Nigerian to have won the CAF African Player of the Year award twice– first in 1996 and again in 1999.

Kanu’s 1996 triumph was based on his phenomenal performance at the Atlanta Olympic Games, where he led Nigeria’s “Dream Team” to an unprecedented gold medal. His unforgettable brace against Brazil in the semi-finals remains one of the most iconic moments in Olympic football history.

Three years later, Kanu reclaimed the award in 1999 following his stellar season with Arsenal in the English Premier League. Despite battling a career-threatening heart condition, Kanu’s resilience and performances, including crucial goals and creative play, proved he was Africa’s finest once again.

Kanu’s twin triumphs solidified his legendary status, marking him as one of Nigeria’s greatest-ever footballers.

Victor Ikpeba – 1997

Victor Ikpeba’s 1997 triumph crowned a stellar year for the “Prince of Monaco.” The Nigerian forward was at the peak of his powers with French club AS Monaco, where he enjoyed a prolific season.

Ikpeba scored 26 goals across all competitions, spearheading Monaco to a French Ligue 1 title and a domestic cup triumph. His performances in the UEFA Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s second-highest scorer, further cemented his credentials.

Ikpeba’s form and consistency made him a standout performer, and his CAF African Player of the Year award was richly deserved.

Victor Osimhen – 2023

Victor Osimhen ended a 24-year wait for Nigeria when he was named the 2023 CAF African Player of the Year. His electrifying performances for Italian club Napoli propelled him to global prominence.

Osimhen’s defining achievement was his role in Napoli’s historic Serie A title triumph – their first in 33 years. The Nigerian striker scored 26 goals in the league, finishing as the top scorer and becoming the first African to win the prestigious Capocannoniere (Serie A top scorer award).

His stellar year also earned him recognition on the global stage; finishing 8th in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings and being nominated for FIFA’s The Best award. Osimhen’s success marked a turning point for Nigerian football and paved the way for Ademola Lookman’s subsequent triumph.

Ademola Lookman – 2024

Ademola Lookman’s rise to the pinnacle of African football was as spectacular as it was well-deserved. On Monday, the 27-year-old Nigerian forward was crowned the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year, beating formidable contenders like Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.

Lookman’s year was nothing short of extraordinary. He shone on both the domestic and international stages, showcasing a lethal mix of skill, determination, and composure.

At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (held in early 2024), Lookman was Nigeria’s standout performer, scoring three vital goals and providing one assist as the Super Eagles stormed to the final. His pivotal performances helped Nigeria remain unbeaten until the final hurdle, where hosts Ivory Coast narrowly triumphed.

Club success followed soon after. Lookman etched his name into European folklore with a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, leading his club, Atalanta, to a stunning 3-0 victory over previously unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen. He became the first African player to score a hat-trick in a major European final, a feat that cemented his place in history.

His exploits have carried into the 2024/25 season, where he continues to inspire Atalanta, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists across all competitions.

Like Osimhen, Lookman was nominated for the FIFA the Best award and the Ballon d’Or, finishing 14th in the rankings.

Lookman’s crowning as Africa’s best player marks the seventh time a Nigerian has claimed this prestigious honour – and only the latest chapter in Nigeria’s legacy of footballing greatness.