Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has once again been shortlisted for the prestigious CAF Men’s African Player of the Year Award, reaffirming his place among the continent’s football elite. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the ten-man shortlist on Wednesday, with Osimhen leading a competitive field that includes some of Africa’s most in-form stars.
Osimhen, who claimed the top prize in 2023, will be seeking to retain his crown following another remarkable year that saw him dominate both at club and international levels. The Super Eagles striker was a central figure in Galatasaray’s title-winning campaign, scoring 26 league goals to help the Turkish giants lift the league trophy. His performances were so influential that Galatasaray broke their transfer record, sealing a €75 million permanent move from Napoli to secure his services for the long term.
CAF’s shortlist features some of the continent’s brightest football talents. Among the nominees are Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Oussama Lamlioui, Guinea’s Seyrou Guirassy, Congo’s Fiston Mayele, Cameroon’s Frank Anguissa, Gabon’s Denis Bouanga, and Senegal’s Ilimane Ndiaye and Pape Sarr. The selection reflects the depth of quality across African football, highlighting players who have excelled both for their clubs in Europe and in international competitions.
Osimhen’s consistency in front of goal and his ability to influence matches have made him one of the most feared strikers in world football. His transition to Turkish football was smooth and decisive, with his prolific form inspiring Galatasaray to domestic dominance. Beyond club football, Osimhen has remained a pivotal figure for the Nigerian national team. He was instrumental in securing Nigeria’s playoff qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, netting six goals in six matches during the qualifying campaign.
His nomination adds to what has been a strong showing for Nigeria in this year’s CAF Awards shortlist across several categories. Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who gained prominence during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and with his club side, has been nominated for the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award. He faces competition from Morocco’s Yassine Bounou, South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, and Cameroon’s Andre Onana, all of whom have been vital for their clubs and countries over the past year.
Also flying the Nigerian flag is Daniel Bameyi, captain of the Flying Eagles, who has been shortlisted for the Men’s Young Player of the Year Award. Bameyi, who led the Nigerian youth team with distinction during international competitions, continues to be regarded as one of the country’s most promising defensive talents.
Nigeria’s influence extends to the women’s category as well. Last week, Super Falcons stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo were named among the contenders for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award, highlighting the continued strength of Nigerian football on both fronts. Ajibade, known for her creativity and leadership, and Okoronkwo, who impressed during the recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, have both been integral to the Falcons’ resurgence on the continental stage.
The CAF Awards, one of Africa’s most anticipated football events, recognizes excellence among players, coaches, and teams who have made significant contributions to the game within the year under review. For Osimhen, a second consecutive win would place him in an exclusive class of players who have achieved two victories, solidifying his legacy as one of Nigeria’s greatest modern-day footballers.
Observers note that the 2025 edition of the awards will be particularly competitive, given the outstanding seasons enjoyed by many of the nominees. Mohamed Salah continues to maintain world-class form for Liverpool, while Achraf Hakimi has been instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain’s domestic and European campaigns. Seyrou Guirassy, meanwhile, has been one of the Bundesliga’s top scorers, and Pape Sarr’s emergence in the Premier League has drawn widespread attention.
However, Osimhen’s record-breaking performances and leadership qualities both for club and country have given him a strong claim to retain the honour. His journey from Napoli to Galatasaray marked a new chapter in his career, and his immediate impact has reaffirmed his reputation as one of Africa’s most complete forwards. His work rate, positional intelligence, and clinical finishing have become defining features of his game, earning him accolades from fans and pundits alike.
Nigerian supporters have been vocal in their admiration of Osimhen, describing him as a symbol of resilience and determination. His rise from the streets of Lagos to global football prominence continues to inspire young athletes across the continent.
As anticipation builds ahead of the CAF Awards ceremony, scheduled to hold later this year, attention will be focused on whether Osimhen can once again clinch the continent’s most coveted individual prize. A second consecutive win would not only cement his legacy but also reaffirm Nigeria’s long-standing tradition of producing world-class footballers.
Beyond individual recognition, the multiple nominations across categories reflect Nigeria’s broader football progress. The presence of Nwabali, Bameyi, Ajibade, and Okoronkwo among the nominees signals a resurgence in the country’s football infrastructure and talent development pipeline, particularly after recent disappointments at international tournaments.
CAF’s 2025 awards are shaping up to be a celebration of African excellence, with Osimhen and other nominees representing the continent’s brightest stars. For Nigeria, this year’s nominations mark another chapter in its rich football heritage, showcasing not only its established stars but also a new generation ready to take African football to even greater heights.
Samuel Aina