CAF Men's Player of the Year nominees exclude Nigerian stars

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the shortlists for the 2026 CAF Awards, revealing that Nigerian men's football players and teams received no nominations across the seven men's categories. Notably, former winners Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were omitted from the 10-man shortlist for the Men’s Player of the Year award.

Morocco and Senegal lead the nominations with three players each. The Men’s Player of the Year shortlist includes Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, and Ismaël Saibari from Morocco, alongside Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr, and Pape Gueye from Senegal. Other nominees are Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire), Yoane Wissa (DR Congo), Antoine Semenyo (Ghana), and Teboho Mokoena (South Africa).

While the men's side saw a total absence of Nigerian representation, the Super Falcons have been nominated for Women’s National Team of the Year. Additionally, Christiana Uzoma of Edo Queens is a contender for Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 7, 2026.