An 11-man list of nominees for the FIFA Best has been released led by Lionel Messi but without Nigeria's Ademola Lookman.
Nigeria's hopes for recognition at the FIFA Best Awards have been dashed as Ademola Lookman, the standout forward for both club and country, was notably absent from the 11-man nominee list.
The 27-year-old Atalanta star has had a remarkable year, contributing significantly to Nigeria's success in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and leading his Serie A team to a historic Europa League victory.
Lookman played a crucial role in guiding the Super Eagles to the AFCON 2023 final, where he scored three goals in his debut appearance in the tournament as Nigeria finished second.
His impressive form continued in club football, where he netted a landmark hat trick during Atalanta's historic Europa League victory against Victor Boniface's Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite these achievements, Lookman was overlooked for the prestigious award, which has left fans and Eagles followers disappointed.
The 2024 FIFA Best Player of the Year list is led by Lionel Messi, who is joined by notable players including Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid, as well as Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Rodri.
Barcelona's young sensation Lamine Yamal also made cut as did Real's summer signing Kylian Mbappe and Florian Wirtz, highlighting the stiff competition for this year's accolade.
Lookman's absence from this elite group is particularly striking given his recent recognition in the football community.
He achieved a commendable 14th place in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings, surpassing several high-profile players. This recognition came after a season filled with individual brilliance and contributions to his teams.
The disappointment surrounding Lookman's snub reflects a broader sentiment regarding the recognition of African players in international awards.
His performances have not only showcased his talent but also brought attention to Nigerian football on the global stage.
As fans rally behind him, there is hope that future accolades will better reflect his contributions and those of other African stars in world football.
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