Nigeria’s football stars are shining bright on the African stage, with Victor Osimhen and Rasheedat Ajibade named among the finalists for the 2025 CAF Player of the Year awards. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and Bayelsa Queens forward Shakirat Moshood also earned nominations in their respective categories, showcasing Nigeria’s football talent.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the final shortlist ahead of the gala ceremony on November 19, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, honouring top performers from January 6 to October 15, 2025.
On the men’s side, Osimhen, excelling at Galatasaray, will compete against Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain) for CAF African Player of the Year. His selection continues Nigeria’s strong presence in the category following previous nominations of Ademola Lookman (2024) and Osimhen himself in 2023.
In the Women’s Player of the Year category, Ajibade, who led the Super Falcons to their 10th WAFCON title, is joined by Morocco’s Ghizlaine Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy. Nnadozie, now with Brighton & Hove Albion, is nominated for Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while Moshood makes the Women’s Young Player of the Year shortlist after leading Bayelsa Queens to the WAFU B Zonal Champions League final and captaining the Flamingos at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
CAF also confirmed upcoming announcements for Women’s Coach of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, and Club of the Year, highlighting Africa’s finest talent. Nigeria’s multiple nominations underscore the country’s growing influence in African football and the continent’s exceptional player development.
