CAF Awards: Osimhen, Ajibade headline, with one glaring omission

Victor Osimhen is once again in the conversation for African football’s biggest individual honour, as the Super Eagles striker has made the final shortlist for the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award. The confirmation came from CAF on Sunday, reducing the contenders to three after an initial list of 10. 

His resurgence has been driven by a brilliant spell in Turkey, where he has rediscovered his sharpness in front of goal. At Galatasaray, the forward has been near unstoppable, racking up goals and influential performances in both domestic and continental competitions. 

𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 (𝗠𝗲𝗻) – 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀#CAFAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/C22pZJc3G7

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 16, 2025

His haul of 37 goals and seven assists last season powered the Istanbul giants to a league and cup double, while his current Champions League form, six goals so far places him ahead of some of Europe’s most lethal finishers. He has carried that same decisiveness into the national team, delivering crucial strikes in key qualifiers and playoff matches.

Osimhen, who last won the CAF award in 2023, now faces competition from two familiar heavyweights: Mohamed Salah, who spearheaded Liverpool’s march to the Premier League title, and Achraf Hakimi, whose consistency helped PSG sweep a historic treble. Any of the three could claim the crown, but Osimhen’s revival has placed him firmly back among Africa’s elite.

Ajibade, Nnadozie make women’s final shortlists

Nigeria’s impact on the awards stretches beyond the men’s category. In the women’s field, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie have been named among the final contenders for top honours. 

Ajibade’s impressive season, from her influential WAFCON performances to securing a major move to PSG Féminine ensured she remained firmly in the frame for Player of the Year honours. Esther Okoronkwo, despite an outstanding year for club and country, fell just short of breaking into the final shortlist.

Only one can win it.

The finalists for the Women's Player of the Year award. Who's taking it? 💫#CAFAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/SlssBvvmo7

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 17, 2025

Nnadozie, meanwhile, continues her dominance between the posts, earning yet another final three nomination (Goalkeeper of the Year) after another impressive year for club and country. The Brighton keeper is joined by Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini on the final list.