Morocco international, Achraf Hakimi, has revealed that he is hoping to win the prestigious African Footballer of the Year award at the expense of Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman.
Hakimi, named in the final five-man shortlist for the award, aims to secure the trophy after missing out to Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen last year.
Lookman, who enjoyed a standout season with Atalanta in Italy, is seen as the frontrunner for the 2024 edition.
He was instrumental in leading Atalanta to UEFA Europa League glory with a remarkable hat-trick in the final and also impressed with the Super Eagles during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite this, Hakimi had a successful season with Paris Saint-Germain, helping the team win two titles and playing a key role in Morocco’s bronze medal finish at the Paris Olympics.
While Hakimi aims for the individual award, he has expressed contentment with being nominated, acknowledging the pride and satisfaction of being recognised as one of the continent’s top players.
“It’s a source of pride and satisfaction, especially knowing that the work I’ve been doing for a long time will be rewarded with this nomination,” Hakimi told Brut via maliactu.net.
“It’s true that it’s an important trophy on an individual level, but I’m happy to be here.
“I hope I can win it, but if not, I’m happy to be here, and it makes me want to keep working.”
The 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year award ceremony will take place in Marrakech, Morocco, on December 16, and will consider performances from January 2024 to October 2024.
Hakimi will be vying for the title alongside Lookman, Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa).
