By Ahmed Salahudeen
Nigeria’s striker and Galatasaray of Turkey forward, Victor Osimhen, has been nominated for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Footballer of the Year Award.
The Super Eagles star is among the 10 players shortlisted by CAF in the men’s category, according to a list released on Wednesday.
Osimhen, who won the award in 2023, has been in superb form for the Turkish champions, scoring 26 league goals to help Galatasaray secure the league title last season.
His stellar performance prompted the club to break the Turkish transfer record, signing him permanently from Napoli in a deal worth €75 million.
Osimhen was also instrumental in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup playoffs, scoring six goals in as many matches for the Super Eagles.
In the Goalkeeper of the Year category, Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s first choice shot-stopper, is among the nominees. He will compete against Yassine Bounou, Ronwen Williams, and Andre Onana.
Also making the shortlist is Daniel Bameyi, captain of the Flying Eagles, who is nominated for the Men’s Young Player of the Year Award.
CAF said the nominees reflect players and coaches who made significant impacts on the African and global stage between 6 January and 15 October 2025.
“A panel of experts made up of CAF Technical & Development Committee members, experienced coaches, CAF Legends and selected media representatives decided on 10 nominees for each category, considering performances in all competitions,” CAF said in a statement.
Other nominees for the top men’s category include Cameroon’s Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye, and DR Congo’s Fiston Mayele, among others.
CAF added that the official date and venue for the awards ceremony will be announced later.
