Lookman brushed off competition from other nominees for the award, featuring Morocco full-back Achraf Hakimi, South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Borussia Dortmund forward Serhou Guirassy, and Brighton's Ivorian winger Simon Adingra. His success marked the first time Nigeria had back-to-back winners in the Men's award since Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997).