‘I spoke with him’ - Osimhen claims he congratulated Lookman on winning CAF award a few months back

Lookman was named the new 2024 African Player of the Year after a remarkable season with Atalanta and Nigeria.

The winger was announced as the new winner on Monday, dethroning Osimhen, who won the award in 2023 

However, despite his win, many have called Osimhen out for not congratulating Lookman on winning the CAF Award.

Osimhen has revealed that he sent a congratulatory message to Lookman a few months before he was announced as the winner of the CAF Award.

According to Adepoju Tobi Samuel on X, Osimhen said, “He knows my thoughts towards it; I've spoken with him in person. And, of course, he's a clear, clear favourite to win it.

“Just like I said to him, I told him to enjoy it with his family because I know how he struggled to get to where he is.

“And, for me, it's really a big moment and an overwhelming one for him, you know? Being named the African Football Player of the Year shows your hard work and dedication for what you've done in the season.

“He has impressed us, he has really put us on the map, he has given us bragging rights, knowing fully well that he's from Nigeria and everything.

“So for me, I think he really deserved this moment and he's a clear favourite for me. I already congratulated him a few months back, and I think yeah, you really deserve it.

“So, of course, the rest of the contestants also—you know, the nominees, they deserve it also, but I think for me he’s up there. He is the clear favourite.”

Meanwhile, Osimhen came in as a substitute in Galatasaray’s 4-3 win on Monday over Trabzonspor after a few weeks out due to injury.