Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has been tipped to win the African Footballer of the Year award ahead of Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz and Liverpool's Mohammed Salah.

The Nigerian international had a stellar campaign last season, helping Atalanta to their first European title after netting a stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final.

Lookman became the first player to achieve this remarkable feat, as his hat-trick earned him his first career silverware after Atalanta's 3-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

The 26-year-old also registered 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions for Gian Piero Gasperini's side.

In a latest development, SportsCasting AI software, has predicted the former RB Leipzig man to succeed his Super Eagles teammate, Victor Osimhen, as the African Footballer of Year.

Real Madrid star, Brahim Diaz, who switched allegiance from Spain to Morocco in March 2024, came in second place, following Los Blancos' UEFA Champions League and La Liga-winning campaign last season.

Liverpool's Mohammed Salah finished in third place ahead of Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface.

Ghana's Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United's completed the top five contenders for the prestigious award.