Super Eagles stars Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong have earned prestigious nominations for the 2024 FIFA FIFPro Men’s 11.
Lookman has been listed in the attackers’ category alongside top talents such as Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Ollie Watkins, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, and 14 other global stars.
Troost-Ekong, on the other hand, is nominated in the defenders’ category, competing against elite names like Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, and Achraf Hakimi among 19 others.
Fans to Decide Final Selection
The final Men’s 11 will be determined through a global voting process, with fans, national team captains, coaches, and media representatives contributing equally to the selection.
Rising Nigerian Stars
Lookman, ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or, has had a phenomenal year for both club and country. The 27-year-old forward is also a contender for the African Player of the Year and was recently shortlisted for the Globe Soccer Awards.
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Meanwhile, Troost-Ekong’s inclusion in the defenders’ category further highlights his remarkable performances, placing him alongside the world’s best defensive players.
Spotlight on African Talents
In addition to Lookman and Troost-Ekong, Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala has made headlines with her nomination for the Marta Award, recognizing her stunning acrobatic goal for Barcelona Femeni against Benfica in the Women’s Champions League.
Other African nominees include Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi) and Barbra Banda (Zambia) for African Women’s Player of the Year, and Algeria’s Yassine Benzia, shortlisted for the Puskas Award.
Anticipation Builds for The Best FIFA Awards
Fans can cast their votes via FIFA’s official website as the world eagerly awaits the Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 ceremony. This annual event celebrates excellence across football, honoring the top players, coaches, and goals of the year.
Key nominees include:
- Best FIFA Men’s Player: Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé
- Best FIFA Women’s Player: Aitana Bonmatí, Tabitha Chawinga, Barbra Banda
- Best FIFA Men’s Coach: Pep Guardiola, Lionel Scaloni, Carlo Ancelotti
- Best FIFA Women’s Coach: Emma Hayes, Jonatan Giráldez
- Best FIFA Goalkeepers: Ederson (Men’s), Mary Earps (Women’s)
The awards ceremony is a spectacular celebration of football’s finest talents.