For the first time since 2022, no Super Eagles player will be in contention for the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award after Nigeria was omitted from the 10-man shortlist released on Wednesday.
Nigeria failed to secure a nomination in any of the seven men’s categories, including Goalkeeper, Interclub Player, Coach, Young Player, National Team and Club of the Year, highlighting a disappointing year for the country’s football on the continental stage.
The omission extends to the women’s categories, with the Super Falcons also missing out on the top awards.
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who won the award in 2023, and Atletico Madrid’s Ademola Lookman, crowned in 2024, have been Nigeria’s recent winners. The country was also absent from the final shortlist in 2022.Nigeria will host the awards ceremony in Lagos on Monday, December 7, bringing together leading football personalities to celebrate outstanding achievements across the continent.