By Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
The Rise Continues
Nigeria’s star forward Victor Osimhen has once again been recognized among Africa’s footballing elite, earning a nomination for the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award.
The announcement came on Wednesday from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which unveiled a 10-man shortlist ahead of the annual awards ceremony set to take place in Marrakech, Morocco, for the third year running.
For Osimhen, this latest nod cements his status as one of the most consistent and influential players in modern African football. The Super Eagles striker, who now plies his trade with Galatasaray in Turkey, is no stranger to the spotlight — he won the same award in 2023 after a phenomenal season with Napoli, where he led them to their first Serie A title in over three decades.
This time, Osimhen’s performance in Turkey has been nothing short of spectacular. In his debut season, he scored 26 league goals, guiding Galatasaray to the Turkish Super Lig title and re-establishing himself as one of the most feared strikers in Europe.
A Contender Among Giants
Osimhen faces tough competition for Africa’s most prestigious individual football honor. The list includes several global stars such as Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Achraf Hakimi of Morocco — both regulars on the CAF Awards stage — as well as Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa of Cameroon, Serhou Guirassy of Guinea, and Pape Matar Sarr of Senegal.
The full shortlist features:
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Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli & Cameroon)
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Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC & Gabon)
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Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund & Guinea)
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Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain & Morocco)
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Oussama Lamlioui (Renaissance Berkane & Morocco)
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Fiston Mayele (Pyramids FC & DR Congo)
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Iliman Ndiaye (Everton & Senegal)
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Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray & Nigeria)
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Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Egypt)
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Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur & Senegal)
Despite the competition, analysts believe Osimhen remains one of the frontrunners for the award. His transition from Serie A to the Turkish Super Lig has not only been seamless but transformative for Galatasaray, who paid a record €75 million to secure his services from Napoli — the highest transfer fee ever paid by a Turkish club.
His combination of power, pace, and precision finishing has made him a nightmare for defenders across Europe and a key figure in Nigeria’s attack ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Africa’s New Football Ambassador
Osimhen’s story continues to inspire millions across Africa. From humble beginnings in the streets of Lagos to becoming one of Europe’s most lethal strikers, his journey reflects resilience, discipline, and an unrelenting belief in his dream.
In interviews, the 26-year-old has often emphasized that his success is not just personal but symbolic of Africa’s growing influence in world football. “Every time I score, I want to represent where I come from — Nigeria, Africa, and the young players who believe they can make it,” Osimhen said in a recent statement.
The CAF Awards ceremony — which celebrates Africa’s best in football — is expected to draw international attention this December. If Osimhen wins, he will become the first Nigerian to claim the CAF Player of the Year title twice since Nwankwo Kanu, further strengthening his legacy as a generational talent.
Regardless of the outcome, Osimhen’s place among the continent’s finest is undisputed. His journey from Naples to Istanbul and from street football to continental glory continues to remind fans that African excellence knows no boundaries.
As the continent awaits the final announcement in Marrakech, one thing is clear — Victor Osimhen has already carved his name in the golden chapter of African football history.
