Following his recent exploits in the Europa League final at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, some Super Eagles stars have backed Atalanta hero Ademola Lookman for the 2024 African Player of the Year award.

The English-born Nigerian winger scored a stunning hat-trick against German champions Bayer Leverkusen to end Atalanta's decades-long trophy drought.

This moment was sweet redemption for Lookman, who was once deemed not good enough for a permanent deal after his loan spell with Leicester City in 2022.

However, Atalanta saw his potential and signed him in the same transfer window. Since then, Lookman has been phenomenal, becoming the club's top scorer in his debut season and now, helping them win their first European title.

Lookman's hat-trick was a masterclass, with goals in the 12th, 26th, and 75th minutes, making history as the only player to score a hat-trick in the Europa League final.

The 26-year-old followed that performance up with another goal last weekend in Atalanta's last game of the season, as they dispatched Torino 3-0 to wrap up their campaign on a winning note.

The Super Eagles star ended the season with 15 goals for La Dea.

On the international level, Lookman was Nigeria's top scorer at the last AFCON with four goals, according to OwnGoalNigeria, in what was his maiden Nations Cup tournament.

Lookman's fine form this season has convinced many to rally behind him for the CAF Player of the Year award, currently held by his Super Eagles teammate Victor Osimhen.

The campaign for Lookman to be named Africa's Best was started by Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong immediately after Atalanta's Europa League triumph.

Kenneth Omeruo followed suit, with the likes of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Joe Aribo, Semi Ajayi, and Frank Onyeka all pushing the campaign via their social media platforms.

It remains to be seen if their voices will make any significant impact on how the voting will pan out.