Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen played a crucial role in helping Eric Chelle's men advance to the final of the African playoff for the 2026 World Cup tournament…
Victor Osimhen’s hopes of attending the 2025 CAF Awards have been dashed after the Galatasaray striker was forced to return to Istanbul for urgent medical checks, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian forward had been listed among the top finalists for the prestigious African Player of the Year award but will miss tonight’s ceremony in Rabat, Morocco.
The 26-year-old suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty during Nigeria’s African playoff final against DR Congo on Sunday, which has raised concerns in the Galatasaray camp as the 2025-26 season unfolds.
Why Osimhen will miss the CAF Awards
Multiple reports confirm that Osimhen will not attend this year’s CAF Awards ceremony in Rabat, Morocco, scheduled for tonight, Wednesday, 19th November 2025.
The striker has travelled back to Istanbul for a scheduled MRI scan after picking up a hamstring injury while representing Nigeria.
Osimhen sustained the injury during Sunday’s clash against the Leopards of Congo and has since experienced discomfort.
Galatasaray’s medical team has insisted on immediate imaging to determine the severity of the issue and assess how long he may be sidelined ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
The results of the scan—which will take place in the coming hours—are expected to clarify the extent of the problem.
Osimhen, who previously won the accolade in 2023, remains a strong contender again this year, but his absence will undoubtedly cast a different atmosphere over the ceremony.
Who are the finalists?
The 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award features a trio of exceptional performers. Leading the shortlist is Osimhen, who produced an incredible 37 goals in 41 matches during his loan spell at Galatasaray.
The former Napoli forward is joined by Mohamed Salah, with 29 goals and 18 assists in the Premier League alone. Completing the list is Hakimi, whose influence was central to Paris Saint-Germain’s historic treble, capped by their first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph.
Osimhen, Salah, and Hakimi: Who is likely to win?
This year’s award is widely regarded as a three-horse race with no obvious runaway favourite. Osimhen enters the contest with strong credentials, having posted elite goal-scoring numbers for Galatasaray and maintaining influential performances for Nigeria.
However, his recent injury and absence at the ceremony might work against the narrative momentum surrounding his candidacy.
Salah also has a compelling case following an outstanding individual season at Liverpool. His combined goals and assists total stand him out.
Hakimi could be a dark horse. Few African defenders have delivered a season as complete as his. Meanwhile, achievements with PSG may appeal to voters seeking to reward his defensive excellence.
Overall, the contest appears tight, with Salah and Osimhen slightly ahead on individual output, while Hakimi’s historic club success could sway the decision.
