Nigerian Stars Dominate Final Shortlists for 2025 CAF Awards

Nigeria’s top football talents have earned widespread recognition. They secured numerous spots on the final shortlists for the 2025 CAF Player of the Year awards.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the lists on Sunday. The gala ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, in Rabat, Morocco.

These awards celebrate Africa’s best performers. The review period covers both club and national team competitions from January 6 to October 15, 2025. Nigeria’s strong presence across multiple categories highlights the nation’s increasing influence and depth of talent in African football.

Men’s Player of the Year Finalists

Striker Victor Osimhen is among the top three finalists for the prestigious CAF African Player of the Year award. He is currently playing for Galatasaray.

Osimhen is joined in the final running by:

• Mohamed Salah of Liverpool.
• Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain.

Osimhen’s selection ensures continued Nigerian representation. Ademola Lookman was nominated in 2024, and Osimhen won in 2023.

Women’s Categories: Ajibade and Nnadozie Recognized

Nigeria’s strong showing extends prominently to the women’s awards.

• Women’s Player of the Year: Rasheedat Ajibade is a top three finalist. She plays for Paris Saint-Germain and led the Super Falcons to a 10th continental title. She competes against Morocco’s Ghizlaine Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy.
• Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, now at Brighton & Hove Albion, is recognized. She is nominated alongside Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini. Her nomination follows a season of consistent, high-level performances for both her former club (Paris FC) and the Super Falcons.

Rising Stars and Team Honors

Young forward Shakirat Moshood, who plays for Bayelsa Queens, earned a place on the Women’s Young Player of the Year shortlist. She competes against Morocco’s Doha El Madani and Senegal’s Adji Ndiaye. Moshood’s inclusion recognizes her rapid development and significant impact in domestic and continental competitions.

The Women’s Team of the Year shortlist also includes Nigeria, alongside Ghana and Morocco. This celebrates their notable successes in continental competitions.

CAF confirmed that a panel of experts selected the nominees. This panel assessed performances across all competitions. Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu is also expected to be a prominent finalist in the Coach of the Year category.