2025 CAF Awards: Nigeria record-breaker snubbed as Nwabali, Bameyi picked for top honours

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen’s remarkable year with Galatasaray has earned him a place among Africa’s elite, as the Nigerian striker leads the nation’s nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Confederation of African Football announced the nominees on Wednesday, confirming Osimhen in contention for the prestigious CAF Men’s Player of the Year award after a dominant campaign that saw him claim the Turkish Süper Lig Golden Boot with 26 goals.

Across all competitions, the 26-year-old scored 37 times and provided eight assists, driving Galatasaray to a domestic double that included the Turkish Cup.

He faces competition from a stellar lineup including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, Napoli’s Frank Anguissa, Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr, and LAFC’s Denis Bouanga.

The former Napoli forward, who previously won the award in 2023, will be aiming to reclaim continental glory in Marrakech, Morocco, where the ceremony will be held for the third consecutive year in December.

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Nwabali and Bameyi fly the Nigerian flag

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi complete Nigeria’s trio of nominees, earning recognition for their consistent performances for club and country.

Nwabali, 29, is shortlisted for the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year after a standout year for the Super Eagles and Chippa United.

The former Lobi Stars goalkeeper impressed during the Unity Cup in London and World Cup qualifiers. He will face fierce competition from established names such as André Onana (Cameroon), Yassine Bounou (Morocco), and Edouard Mendy (Senegal).

Bameyi, 19, meanwhile, has been nominated for CAF Young Player of the Year, following an outstanding year leading Nigeria’s U-20 side.

The defender captained the Flying Eagles to bronze at the U-20 AFCON and guided them to the Round of 16 at the U-20 World Cup in Chile.

Surprisingly, teenage goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, who made history as Nigeria’s youngest debutant at a major tournament, was omitted despite a record-breaking year. The youngster is reportedly on the radar of Manchester United. 

The 2025 CAF Awards will be held in Marrakech this December, where the winners will be announced.