'I hope to win' - Hakimi's first reaction after 'sensational leaks' he beat Lookman to African POTY

Paris Saint-Germain's Moroccan fullback Achraf Hakimi has made his first comments following sensational reports suggesting that he is set to be named the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, ahead of Ademola Lookman and three other contenders for the prestigious accolade.

According to viral reports in the French, Moroccan and Egyptian press, it is being speculated that the Real Madrid academy graduate is in pole position to win the African Player of the Year, which will be presented in his country on Monday, December 16.

Al Ahly TV claimed on Saturday that Hakimi would be named African Footballer of the Year and he is set to take a private jet to Marrakech after Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 meeting with Lyon, accompanied by the president of PSG, Nasser Al Khelaïfi.

Hakimi was instrumental in PSG's UEFA Champions League semifinal run and celebrated a bronze medal win with Morocco at the 2024 Olympic Games.

The 26-year-old won the Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophée des Champions with PSG last season.

French football magazine Onze Mondial has fueled the rumors of Hakimi winning the African Footballer of the Year award, barring a major twist.

Speaking on Téléfoot, the Paris Saint-Germain right-back did not hide the fact that he aspired to be named African Player of the Year.

"This nomination rewards all the work I have done since I was little. I hope to win this important trophy in my career," Hakimi stated. 

Lookman had an outstanding season with Atalanta and impressed at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he was named in the Team of the Tournament, making him one of the favourites to win the African Footballer of the Year.

He hopes to emulate Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba and Victor Osimhen, who have all been named Africa's best player in the past.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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