Flying Eagles captain Bameyi reacts after CAF Young Player of the Year nomination

Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi has expressed his excitement after being shortlisted for the 2025 CAF Young Player of the Year award, Soccernet.ng exclusively reports.

The young defender has enjoyed a steady rise in recent months following his move to Europe, where he currently plays for Slovenian side NK Primorje.

Bameyi’s performances at the youth international level have earned him continental recognition. The nomination boosts him as one to watch in the near future.

Daniel Bameyi: Flying Eagles Captain on CAF Nomination

“I’m really excited and proud to be nominated. It’s a big motivation for me to keep pushing and improving. Being recognized by CAF is a huge honour, and it inspires me to work even harder to achieve more. I’m thankful to my teammates, coaches, and everyone who has supported me along the way,” Bameyi told Soccernet.ng.

EXCL: Bameyi on #CAF award nomination
“I’m really excited and proud to be nominated. It’s a big motivation for me to keep pushing and improving. Being recognized by CAF is a huge honour, and it inspires me to work even harder to achieve more.” Bameyi told Soccernet.#flyingeagles pic.twitter.com/SNZ4ZaobDr

— Ayomide Oguntimehin (@ayo_oguntimehin) October 24, 2025

Osimhen, Bameyi, Nwabali Nominated for CAF Awards

Bameyi joins Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali as part of the Nigerian players nominated for honours at this year’s CAF Awards.

Osimhen is in the running for the CAF Men’s Player of the Year, while Nwabali is shortlisted for the Goalkeeper of the Year award.

Why Daniel Bameyi?

Bameyi was impressive at the U20 AFCON earlier this year, scoring a crucial goal against Kenya that helped the team reach the quarterfinals before eventually securing a bronze medal. His performances earned him a place in the tournament’s Team of the Tournament.

He continued his fine form at the U20 World Cup, where he was one of Nigeria’s standout performers, scoring two goals — the highest return among Aliyu Zubairu’s squad.