Head coach of Benin Republic, Gernot Rohr, has tipped Nigerian international Ademola Lookman to win the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award.

Rohr, who played a pivotal role in convincing Lookman to switch allegiance to Nigeria, described the Atalanta forward as a fantastic player.

Speaking ahead of Benin's AFCON qualifier clash against Nigeria, the 71-year-old admitted that he wishes the in-form winger does not score against his side.

“For me, Lookman is the best one in Africa to win the golden award for the footballer of the year, he is a fantastic player,” Rohr told The Nation.

He added, “But I hope he will not score against us (on Thursday) like he did in the last game in Uyo. Rwanda is our concurrent, Nigeria has already practically qualified, and so I hope that the match will be good and spectacular (to watch) like the last one here in Abidjan against Nigeria in June.”

Lookman has undoubtedly been the brightest Super Eagles star this year, from his performance at the African Cup of Nations to his form at the club level.

He guided Atalanta to the Europa League title last season after netting a historic hat-trick in the final against the then-unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen side.

Lookman’s stellar campaign has earned him a 14th-place ranking at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.