Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is once again among Africa’s elite after being shortlisted for the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award. The Nigerian star will compete against Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi in what promises to be one of the most competitive races in recent years.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the 10-man shortlist on Wednesday, featuring some of the continent’s biggest football talents who made outstanding contributions at club and international levels over the past year.
For Osimhen, this nomination marks a return to the top of African football after an exceptional season with Galatasaray. The 26-year-old striker netted 26 league goals to win the Turkish Süper Lig Golden Boot and played a key role in securing a domestic double, including the Turkish Cup. His impressive tally of 37 goals and eight assists across all competitions earned him a record-breaking €75 million move from Napoli.
Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi also enjoyed an extraordinary campaign, helping Paris Saint-Germain claim both the domestic league and cup titles while lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy. Having finished as runner-up in the last two editions, Hakimi will be eager to finally clinch the continental crown.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah — a two-time CAF Player of the Year (2017, 2018) — remains a strong contender after another stellar season with Liverpool. The Egyptian captain secured both the Premier League Golden Boot and the top assists award, leading his club back to the summit of English football.
In addition to Osimhen’s nomination, Nigeria received recognition in other key categories, with Stanley Nwabali shortlisted for Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi nominated for Men’s Young Player of the Year.
The 2025 CAF Awards ceremony will take place later this year in Morocco, celebrating the continent’s best players, coaches, and teams who have made a significant impact on African football.
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