CAF announces 2026 Awards shortlists

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the shortlists for the 2026 CAF Awards, with the ceremony scheduled for December 7 in Lagos, Nigeria.

In the men’s categories, Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City has been nominated for Men’s Player of the Year, joining contenders such as Achraf Hakimi, Sadio Mané, and Brahim Díaz. Notable omissions include Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah. The Men’s Young Player of the Year shortlist features Caleb Yirenkyi, Yan Diomandé, and Christ Inao. Benjamin Asare was notably excluded from the goalkeeper shortlist despite his recent performances.

In the women’s categories, Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been nominated for Women’s National Team of the Year. Individual nominations for Nigeria include goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma for Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, as well as Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Janet Akekoromowei for Women’s Young Player of the Year. However, no Nigerian players were selected for the Women’s Player of the Year award.

Other notable nominees include South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Kaylin Swart, as well as several players from Morocco, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire.