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In a tightly contested poll conducted by PUNCH Sports Extra, fans and readers voted to determine Nigeria’s Player of the Season. Out of 100 votes, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman received the highest recognition for his outstanding performances throughout the 2023/24 season, PETER AKINBO writes
Ademola Lookman – 36 Votes
The 2023/24 season will be one that Ademola Lookman will never forget. The Super Eagles forward took his game to unprecedented heights with Atalanta, helping the club clinch the Europa League title with a stunning hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. Lookman’s overall performance was stellar, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists across all competitions. He also made a significant impact for Nigeria, reaching the finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, making it into the Team of the Competition with three goals and two assists. His historic hat-trick in the Europa League final underscored his remarkable season.
Victor Boniface – 21 Votes
Victor Boniface’s debut season in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen was nothing short of spectacular. Despite missing nearly four months due to injury, Boniface was instrumental in Leverkusen’s historic league triumph, contributing 21 goals and 10 assists in 34 matches across all competitions. He helped the team secure the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal titles and narrowly missed out on the Europa League. Boniface also earned the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award and a spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.
Victor Osimhen – 12 Votes
Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, had another impressive season despite Napoli’s struggles. Although the club finished 10th in Serie A and missed out on European football, Osimhen’s individual performance remained noteworthy. He scored 17 goals in all competitions and played a crucial role in Nigeria’s second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Asisat Oshoala – 10 Votes
Asisat Oshoala made history with Barcelona Femení, becoming the first African to win three UEFA Women’s Champions League titles. Although she transferred to Bay FC mid-season, her contributions to Barcelona’s campaign were significant, including a stunning bicycle kick goal that won the best goal of the UEFA Women’s Champions League 2023/24 season. Oshoala’s efforts helped Barcelona secure their second consecutive Champions League title.
William Troost-Ekong – 9 Votes
William Troost-Ekong’s defensive prowess and leadership were pivotal in PAOK FC’s Greek Super League title win. His commanding presence and goal-scoring heroics at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations earned him the Man of the Tournament award, making him the second Nigerian defender to receive such an honor. Despite undergoing surgery after the AFCON, Ekong’s contributions throughout the season were vital to his team’s success.
Chiamaka Nnadozie – 7 Votes
Chiamaka Nnadozie made history by becoming the first African and Nigerian player to be crowned the best goalkeeper in the French D1 Arkema. Her remarkable achievements, including saving an impressive seven penalties, cemented her status as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Rasheedat Ajibade – 4 Votes
Rasheedat Ajibade has been a key player for Atletico Madrid, contributing nine goals and six assists this season. Her consistent performances helped Atletico secure a third-place finish in the league, and she was named Player of the Month in March.
Jennifer Echegini – 1 Vote
Jennifer Echegini’s impact at Juventus was immediate after her January arrival. She won the eBay MVP award for the best Under 23 player in the women’s Serie A, scoring 10 goals and providing one assist in 16 appearances. Her impressive performances have quickly made her a standout player in the league.