CAF Awards 2025: Victor Osimhen, Stanley Nwabali Nominated as Lookman Misses Out

Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali have been nominated for top honours at the 2025 CAF Awards, even as Nigeria’s national team failed to make the shortlist for the National Team of the Year category.

CAF unveiled the nominations on Wednesday, confirming Osimhen’s place among the final ten-man shortlist for the Men’s Player of the Year award. The Galatasaray striker will face stiff competition from some of Africa’s biggest names, including Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Achraf Hakimi and Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), Fiston Mayele (Congo), Frank Anguissa (Cameroon), Denis Bouanga (Gabon), and Senegalese duo Illimane Ndiaye and Pape Sarr.

Osimhen, who previously won the award in 2023, enjoyed another spectacular campaign in Turkey, scoring 26 league goals to fire Galatasaray to the Super Lig title. His performances also earned him a record-breaking €75 million transfer from Napoli, setting a new benchmark as the most expensive signing in Turkish football history.

In the goalkeeping category, Stanley Nwabali was recognised for his remarkable consistency at both club and international levels, earning a spot among the nominees for Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year. The Chippa United shot-stopper will contest the award with Yassine Bounou (Morocco), Ronwen Williams (South Africa), and Andre Onana (Cameroon).

Nigeria’s strong representation continues with Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi, who made the shortlist for the Young Player of the Year award after an impressive season leading the national U-20 side.

On the women’s front, Super Falcons stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo have both been nominated for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, highlighting Nigeria’s continued presence among Africa’s football elite.

However, the Super Eagles were notably snubbed in the National Team of the Year category despite their encouraging performances during the 2025 World Cup qualifiers a decision that has drawn mixed reactions from fans and analysts.

The 2025 CAF Awards ceremony is expected to take place later this year, celebrating the continent’s best footballers, coaches, and teams for their achievements over the past season.

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