Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman etched his name in the history books by becoming the sixth Nigerian male footballer to win the CAF Footballer of the Year award on Monday, December 16.

Lookman, who has been in brilliant form throughout the year, saw off competition from Morocco's Achraf Hakimi, Guinea's Serhou Guirassy, Côte d'Ivoire's Simon Adingra, and South Africa's Ronwen Williams to win the prestigious award.

The Super Eagles star dethroned his countryman and national teammate Victor Osimhen to claim the accolade.

Let's take a look at all six Super Eagles stars who are in the exclusive club of CAF Player of the Year award winners, as highlighted by thenationonlineng.net.

Rashidi Yekini — 1993

Rashidi Yekini made by becoming the first Super Eagles player to win the CAF Footballer of the Year award in 1993. Renowned for his powerful shots and clinical finishing, Yekini’s remarkable form was on full display during the 1992 African Cup of Nations, where he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer and played a key role in Nigeria’s bronze medal victory.

Emmanuel Amuneke — 1994

Emmanuel Amuneke helped Nigeria retain the CAF Footballer of the Year award the following year with exceptional performances both at home and abroad. His crucial two goals in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Zambia led Nigeria to its first continental title in 14 years. Amuneke also played a pivotal role in guiding the Super Eagles to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup in the same year.

Victor Ikpeba — 1997

In 1997, Victor Ikpeba, the “Prince of Monaco,” became the fourth Nigerian to win the CAF Footballer of the Year award. At just 24 years old, his outstanding performances with AS Monaco in the French Ligue 1 earned him the prestigious honor, beating out two of his teammates—Chad’s Japhet N’Doram, also a Monaco player, and Super Eagles star Taribo West.

Nwankwo Kanu — 1996, 1999

Nwankwo Kanu stands as a distinctive figure in Nigerian football history, being the only Nigerian to win the CAF Footballer of the Year award twice. His first win came in 1996, after leading Nigeria to Olympic gold in Atlanta. Kanu played a pivotal role for the Dream Team, scoring crucial goals, including two unforgettable strikes against Brazil in the semi-finals.

Kanu’s second CAF Footballer of the Year award in 1999 followed a successful period with Arsenal in the English Premier League, where he excelled for the Gunners despite grappling with a heart condition for much of the previous year, earning him a well-deserved second accolade.

Victor Osimhen — 2023

After a 24-year drought, Victor Osimhen ended Nigeria’s long wait for a CAF Footballer of the Year award by winning it in 2023. Osimhen achieved what the likes of Jay-Jay Okocha and John Obi Mikel could not, with his exceptional performances for Napoli, including a league-best 26 goals, helping the Italian club secure their first Serie A title in 33 years.

Ademola Lookman – 2024

Ademola Lookman was decleared 2024 CAF Footballer of the Year in Morocco, making it Back-to-back win for Nigeria, first time since 1996-1997 when Kanu and Ikpeba won it.

Ademola Lookman who was instrumental in NIgeria’s 2023 AFCON score two goals to secure Nigeria’s quarter-final spot, and his decisive goal against Angola in the quarterfinals propelled Nigeria to the semifinals.