- Victor Osimhen headlines the CAF Player of the Year 2025 nominees after a stellar season with Galatasaray.
- The Nigerian striker is joined on the shortlist by stars like Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, and Seyrou Guirassy.
- Osimhen’s 26-goal season for Galatasaray and his performance for the Super Eagles boosted his nomination chances.
- Other Nigerians nominated include Stanley Nwabali for Goalkeeper of the Year and Daniel Bameyi for Young Player of the Year.
Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has been named among the 10 nominees for the 2025 CAF Men’s African Player of the Year Award, continuing his streak as one of the most influential players on the continent.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the nominees list on Wednesday, with Osimhen standing out after a remarkable season for Turkish champions Galatasaray. The striker netted 26 goals in the league, helping his team secure the title and sealing a record-breaking €75 million permanent move from Napoli.
Osimhen, who won the CAF Player of the Year award in 2023, faces stiff competition from some of Africa’s brightest stars, including Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco), and Seyrou Guirassy (Guinea). Others on the list are Fiston Mayele (Congo), Frank Anguissa (Cameroon), Denis Bouanga (Gabon), and Senegalese duo Illmane Ndiaye and Pape Sarr.
The Super Eagles striker also played a vital role in Nigeria’s qualification race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring six goals in as many matches to secure a playoff spot for the national team.
Nigeria’s strong presence in this year’s CAF awards continues with Stanley Nwabali shortlisted for the Goalkeeper of the Year category, where he will compete against Yassine Bounou, Ronwen Williams, and Andre Onana. Additionally, Daniel Bameyi, captain of the Flying Eagles, has been nominated for the Young Player of the Year prize.
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In the women’s category, Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo of the Super Falcons were recently announced as nominees for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award, highlighting Nigeria’s dominance across African football.
Football fans across the continent are now eagerly awaiting the CAF Awards 2025 ceremony, where Osimhen hopes to retain his crown as Africa’s best.
