Victor Osimhen has returned to CAF’s elite after being named among the final three nominees for the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, footynaija.com reports.
CAF confirmed the finalists on Sunday via its official X account, trimming the original 10-man list to Osimhen, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.
() – #CAFAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/C22pZJc3G7
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 16, 2025
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The nomination caps a remarkable comeback for the Galatasaray striker, who missed out last year but delivered a blistering campaign in Turkey.
On loan in Istanbul, he scored 37 goals and registered seven assists, firing the club to a domestic double. He has maintained that form this season, with nine goals in 12 appearances across the Turkish Lig and Champions League. His six-goal haul in Europe currently leads the competition, placing him above Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane.
Osimhen has been equally decisive for Nigeria, netting a hat-trick against Benin Republic and scoring twice in the World Cup playoff semifinal win over Gabon. The former Napoli striker, who first won the CAF award in 2023, now faces Salah, fresh from leading Liverpool to the Premier League title, and Hakimi, a central figure in PSG’s treble-winning season.
Nigeria also registered strong representation in the women’s categories. Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade made the final three for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award after being named MVP of the 2024 WAFCON, where she helped Nigeria reclaim the continental crown. She joins Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy on the shortlist.
() – #CAFAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/AHtzjLwwVL
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 16, 2025
Chiamaka Nnadozie, winner of the last two editions, was named among the final three for Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year after outstanding displays for Brighton and the Super Falcons.
However, WAFCON final MVP Esther Okoronkwo missed out, despite a standout year for club and country.
The 2025 CAF Awards will be held on 19 November in Rabat, Morocco.
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