In a significant recognition of his outstanding performances, Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has been named among the top 10 nominees for the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Player of the Year award. The announcement was made by CAF on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, ahead of the prestigious awards ceremony set to take place in Marrakech, Morocco, for the third consecutive year. Osimhen, who previously clinched the coveted title in 2023, faces stiff competition from some of Africa’s finest talents, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi of Morocco.
Osimhen’s nomination comes on the back of another stellar year, both at the club and international levels. The 26-year-old Nigerian forward played a pivotal role in guiding Galatasaray to the Turkish Super Lig title during the 2024-2025 season, scoring an impressive 26 goals in the league alone. His prolific form in Turkey followed a high-profile €75 million permanent transfer from Italian giants Napoli to Galatasaray, a move that marked a record-breaking deal for the Turkish club. Osimhen’s goal-scoring prowess, combined with his work rate, physicality, and ability to deliver in clutch moments, has solidified his status as one of Africa’s premier football talents.
The CAF Men’s Player of the Year shortlist features an array of exceptional players from across the continent, showcasing the depth of talent in African football. The full list of nominees includes:
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli & Cameroon) – The versatile midfielder has been a cornerstone for both club and country, showcasing his defensive and creative abilities.
Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC & Gabon) – The dynamic winger has dazzled in Major League Soccer, earning plaudits for his goal-scoring and playmaking.
Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund & Guinea) – The striker’s clinical finishing has made him a standout performer in the Bundesliga.
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain & Morocco) – The dynamic full-back continues to impress with his attacking flair and defensive solidity.
Oussama Lamlioui (Renaissance Berkane) – A rising star in Moroccan football, Lamlioui has been instrumental for his club in domestic and continental competitions.
Fiston Mayele (Pyramids & DR Congo) – The Congolese forward has been a key figure in the Egyptian Premier League, showcasing his goal-scoring instincts.
Iliman Ndiaye (Everton & Senegal) – The attacking midfielder has brought creativity and flair to the Premier League with his performances for Everton.
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray & Nigeria) – The Nigerian striker’s lethal finishing and leadership have made him a standout contender.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Egypt) – The Egyptian superstar continues to dominate with his goal-scoring and assist-making abilities in the Premier League.
Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur & Senegal) – The young midfielder has emerged as a key player for Tottenham, displaying maturity beyond his years.
Osimhen’s journey to this nomination has been remarkable. After bursting onto the scene with Lille in France, he made a significant impact at Napoli, where he became the first African player to win the Serie A Golden Boot in the 2022-2023 season, helping the club secure their first league title in over three decades. His move to Galatasaray was initially met with skepticism due to the competitive nature of the Turkish Super Lig, but Osimhen quickly silenced doubters with his relentless goal-scoring form. His 26 league goals not only powered Galatasaray to the title but also placed him among the top scorers in Europe’s major leagues.
On the international stage, Osimhen remains a talisman for Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Despite the team’s challenges in recent World Cup qualifying campaigns, Osimhen’s leadership and goal-scoring ability have been critical. His performances in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers further underscored his importance, as he consistently delivered crucial goals to keep Nigeria’s hopes alive. His nomination for the CAF award is a testament to his consistency and impact at both club and international levels.
The competition for the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award is fierce. Mohamed Salah, a former winner and perennial contender, continues to set the Premier League alight with his extraordinary goal-scoring and creative output for Liverpool. Achraf Hakimi, another strong candidate, has been a linchpin for both Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco, with his versatility and attacking contributions earning him widespread acclaim. Other nominees, such as Serhou Guirassy and Iliman Ndiaye, have also made significant impacts in their respective leagues, making the race for the award highly competitive.
The CAF Awards, scheduled to take place in Marrakech, are a celebration of African football’s finest talents. The event will also recognize achievements in other categories, such as Women’s Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and Coach of the Year. For Osimhen, winning the award in 2023 was a defining moment in his career, and he will be eager to reclaim the title in 2025. His performances over the past year have undoubtedly strengthened his case, but the final decision will rest on the votes of CAF’s panel of experts, media representatives, and national team coaches and captains.
Osimhen’s nomination is also a source of pride for Nigeria, a country with a rich footballing history. Previous Nigerian winners of the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award include legends like Rashidi Yekini, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Nwankwo Kanu. Osimhen’s inclusion on the 2025 shortlist continues this proud tradition and highlights his role as an inspiration for young Nigerian footballers.
As the awards ceremony approaches, football fans across Africa and beyond will be eagerly awaiting the outcome. For Osimhen, the nomination is not just a recognition of his individual brilliance but also a reflection of his dedication to elevating African football on the global stage. Whether he secures the award or not, his contributions to Galatasaray, Nigeria, and the sport as a whole have cemented his legacy as one of Africa’s brightest stars.
The 2025 CAF Awards promise to be a thrilling celebration of African football, and Victor Osimhen’s nomination ensures that Nigeria will have a strong presence in the conversation. With his blend of skill, determination, and leadership, Osimhen is well-positioned to make a compelling case for the prestigious honor.
