AFCON 2025
Victor Osimhen and Nigeria have been left out of the 2026 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award shortlist following the announcement of the 10 nominees by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The shortlist, released on Wednesday, November 4, features players who have impressed with their performances for both club and country over the assessment period.
Osimhen, who won the prestigious award in 2023, was notably absent despite his impressive performances for Galatasaray during the 2025/26 campaign.
The Nigerian striker recorded 22 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances across competitions, helping Galatasaray win the Turkish league title last season.
His omission means he will not be in contention for the award this year, having finished third in the 2025 edition behind winner Achraf Hakimi.
Nigeria also suffered a major setback, as no Super Eagles player made the 10-man shortlist. It marks the first time since 2015 that no Nigerian player has been nominated for the men’s award.
The nominees are Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Yoane Wissa (DR Congo), Antoine Semenyo (Ghana), Ismael Saibari (Morocco), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Brahim Díaz (Morocco), Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), Pape Gueye (Senegal), Sadio Mané (Senegal) and Teboho Mokoena (South Africa).
The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 7, where the winners across the various categories will be announced.
