PHOTOS: Victor Osimhen Headlines Nominees for Men’s Player of the Year at CAF Awards 2025

By 9jafinds Sports Desk | Oct 24, 2025 

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has once again made headlines after being shortlisted for the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award, placing him among Africa’s football elite alongside Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah and Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the list of nominees on Thursday, confirming Osimhen’s place in the top ten for the prestigious continental honour.

Osimhen’s nomination follows a remarkable year in which he continued to showcase his trademark pace, resilience, and finishing prowess at Galatasaray, while leading Nigeria’s Super Eagles with consistent performances on the international stage.

Nigeria’s Golden Boy Among Africa’s Finest

The 26-year-old forward, who previously clinched the award in 2023, remains one of the most talked-about players on the continent. Despite injuries early in the season, Osimhen bounced back with a string of decisive goals that helped Galatasaray maintain their domestic dominance.

In a post on social media following the announcement, Osimhen expressed gratitude to fans, saying:

“It’s always an honour to be recognised among the best. Nigeria to the world — we move.”

The 2025 Men’s Player of the Year Nominees

CAF confirmed the following ten players as contenders for the Men’s Player of the Year award:

• Victor Osimhen (Nigeria / Galatasaray)

• Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool)

• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain)

• Serhou Guirassy (Guinea / Borussia Dortmund)

• Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon / Napoli)

• Denis Bouanga (Gabon / Los Angeles FC)

• Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal / Tottenham Hotspur)

• Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal / Everton)

• Fiston Mayele (DR Congo / Pyramids FC)

• Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco / RS Berkane)

Nigerians Shine Across Other Categories

Beyond Osimhen’s nomination, Nigeria boasts more representation in the men’s divisions.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who impressed fans during Nigeria’s continental campaign, has been nominated for Goalkeeper of the Year.

The CAF Men’s Interclub, Young Player, and Team of the Year categories also feature Nigerian names, reaffirming the country’s enduring influence in African football.

Rising Global Respect for African Football

The CAF Awards, often dubbed the “African Ballon d’Or,” remain one of the most prestigious recognitions for players from the continent. The 2025 ceremony — scheduled for December — will take place in Marrakech, Morocco, and promises to celebrate the continent’s growing presence in global football.

Football analysts say the inclusion of players based both in Europe and Africa reflects the expanding reach of African football.

“Osimhen’s consistency shows that African players are now central to global football, not peripheral,” said sports journalist Chinedu Ikechukwu. “His nomination symbolizes how Nigerian talent keeps breaking global ceilings.”

From Lagos to the World

Born and raised in Lagos, Osimhen’s rise from the streets of Olusosun to Europe’s biggest arenas remains one of football’s most inspiring stories. His journey — marked by perseverance, humility, and faith — continues to resonate with millions of young Nigerians dreaming of global success.

Osimhen first burst onto the international scene after winning the 2015 U-17 World Cup, where he claimed the Golden Boot with a record-breaking ten goals. Since then, he has played for Wolfsburg, Lille, Napoli, and now Galatasaray, where his performances have drawn widespread acclaim.

Nigerian Fans React

Social media erupted moments after the announcement, with #Osimhen trending across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

“From Olusosun to the world! Victor Osimhen keeps carrying Nigeria on his back,” one fan wrote. Another commented, “CAF should just hand him the trophy already — the king of African football!”

On X, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) congratulated the star striker, posting:

“Congratulations @victorosimhen9 — your hard work continues to make Nigeria proud. 🇳🇬⚽”

A Bigger Picture for Nigerian Football

Beyond individual recognition, Osimhen’s nomination signals a broader revival in Nigerian football’s global standing. With more players excelling in top European leagues and domestic talent gaining exposure through improved scouting, Nigeria’s football ecosystem is on an upward curve.

Sports analyst Tunde Ogunleye noted:

“Osimhen’s rise represents not just personal glory but a shift in how the world views Nigerian athletes — as disciplined, intelligent, and world-class competitors.”

When and Where the Winners Will Be Announced

The 2025 CAF Awards will take place on December 14, 2025, in Marrakech, Morocco, where winners across all categories — including Women’s Player of the Year, Club of the Year, and Coach of the Year — will be announced.

Final Thoughts

As anticipation builds, all eyes are now on Osimhen and his Nigerian compatriots. Whether or not he reclaims the trophy, his nomination alone underscores Nigeria’s continued dominance in African football.

From Lagos to Istanbul and now to Marrakech, Osimhen’s story remains one of grit, global relevance, and African pride.

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