By Gbenga Oresanya
That is fantastic news for Nigerian football. Victor Osimhen has indeed made the final three-man shortlist for the 2025 CAF African Player of the Year award.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the final nominees on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
Osimhen, who is the reigning title holder after winning the 2023 award, will be contesting the prestigious prize against two other African superstars:
| Player | Nationality | Club | Key Achievement in Review Period |
| Victor Osimhen | 🇳🇬 Nigeria | Galatasaray (Turkey) | Led Galatasaray to a league and cup double, maintaining his status as one of Europe’s top strikers. |
| Achraf Hakimi | 🇲🇦 Morocco | Paris Saint-Germain (France) | Key figure in the PSG squad that won a historic quadruple (Ligue 1, UCL, French Cup, Champions Trophy). |
| Mohamed Salah | 🇪🇬 Egypt | Liverpool (England) | Another influential year for Liverpool, maintaining elite goal-scoring form and contributing significantly to the team. |
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The winner of the 2025 CAF Player of the Year will be crowned at the official awards gala:
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Venue: Rabat, Morocco
Nigeria has also secured a strong presence in other major categories:
| Category | Nigerian Finalist(s) |
| Women’s Player of the Year | Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain) |
| Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year | Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion) |
| Women’s Young Player of the Year | Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens) |
| Women’s National Team of the Year | Super Falcons |
