'Treat Malaria and Typhoid' - Nigerians blast analyst for Lookman to lose CAF Player of the Year dream

Super Eagles superstar, Ademola Lookman, has emerged as a leading contender for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award after his impressive performances over the past year positioned him as a favourite.

But recent comments from a Nigerian journalist have sparked controversy and debate among Nigerians and Super Eagles fans.

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At 27 years old, Lookman has had a standout year, evidenced by his significant contributions to both his club Atalanta and his country Nigeria. 

Notably, he played a crucial role in leading the Super Eagles to the final of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) before he made history with Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League by scoring a hat-trick in the final, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in a major UEFA competition final. 

Lookman is also the only African player nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or, where he finished in 14th place.

The controversy began when Asukwo Oduo, a Pulse Sports Editor and analyst, publicly claimed that he had a prophetic dream in which Lookman did not win the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award. 

Oduo stated, "I had a dream. Ademola Lookman didn't win the 2024 CAF Player of the Year." This prediction quickly ignited a heated response on social media.

Fans reacted with a mix of mockery, criticism, and spiritual declarations, reflecting a wide range of sentiments:

Mockery and Humour: Some fans took a light-hearted approach, joking about the analyst's dream. Comments included:

"Joseph the dreamer, well done," one stated. "Good thing it's just a dream. Please go treat Malaria and Typhoid ASAP," another said

Support for Lookman: Many supporters defended Lookman, emphasising his talent and potential, led by this positive Nigeria who said: "Not all dreams come true. Ademola is blessed." 

Concerns About Bias: A segment of the fanbase expressed deeper concerns regarding potential bias in the voting process, drawing parallels to past controversies:

"I have a feeling they might cheat him the same way they did to Mikel in 2013."

"It's time Nigerians realised other African nations don't want them winning because they're a threat," a concerned fan noted.

As the anticipation builds for the announcement of the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, Lookman remains a strong contender, backed by a passionate fanbase. 

The recent controversy surrounding predictions and potential biases notwithstanding, supporters continue to rally behind Lookman, confident in his exceptional abilities and hopeful for a positive outcome.