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The AFCON 2023 MVP has used Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen as key examples for an aspiring African best.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has sent an inspiring message to a young Nigerian footballer with dreams of clinching the Africa’s most prestigious individual honour in the sport.
Responding to a question on his Snapchat that read: ‘Skippo any advice for upcoming African best like me? Just about starting my pro career in Europe now..’ the 2023 AFCON MVP did not hold back.
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“You’ll need the advice from two people I know that have done it,” Ekong wrote.
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“A Lookman and V Osimhen. For both of them I know it’s dedication. Hard work. Single-mindedness and discipline to become your best version. Mola did it starting from the streets in London and Vic did it starting from the streets in Lagos. Anything is possible!!!”
Lookman and Osimhen: Super Eagles duo reign as Africa’s finest
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Ademola Lookman, 27, and Victor Osimhen, 26, have undeniably left their mark on African and Nigerian football.
In December 2024, Lookman succeeded Osimhen as Africa’s Best, becoming only the sixth Nigerian to win the coveted award at a glamorous ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco.
The Atalanta forward triumphed over tough competition, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Sehrou Guirassy, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, to claim the honour.
Lookman’s incredible performances in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he propelled Nigeria to the final, and his historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final that secured Atalanta’s maiden European trophy, solidified his legacy.
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His exploits also earned him a spot in the 2024 Ballon d’Or Top 20 and a nomination for FIFA The Best’s Forward of the Year award.
Before Lookman’s triumph, Osimhen was crowned Africa’s Best in 2023 after leading Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years.
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The Galatasaray striker on loan from Napoli, also made history by finishing eighth in the 2023–2024 Ballon d’Or rankings—the highest-ever placement for a Nigerian footballer since the award’s inception in 1956.
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Troost-Ekong’s message seeks to inspire young Nigerian and African footballers, proving that with the right mindset, dedication, anything is possible.
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