This recognition was announced by the Confederation of African Football, CAF, as part of the final shortlist leading up to the awards ceremony set for Wednesday, November 19, in Rabat, Morocco.

The ceremony will honor the top performers in African football for the period between January 6 and October 15, 2025.

On the men’s side, Osimhen who is currently playing for Galatasaray, joins Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi in the race for the CAF African Player of the Year award. Osimhen’s nomination marks a continued strong Nigerian presence in the men’s category, following the achievements of Ademola Lookman in 2024 and Osimhen himself in 2023.

In the Women’s Player of the Year category, Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, is joined by Morocco’s Ghizlaine Chebbak (Al Hilal) and Sanaa Mssoudy (AS FAR). Ajibade’s inclusion comes after an outstanding year, leading the Super Falcons to their 10th WAFCON title and delivering stellar performances for both club and country.

Chiamaka Nnadozie, now at Brighton & Hove Albion, has been shortlisted for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, alongside Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini. Nnadozie’s nomination is a testament to her consistently solid performances for Paris FC and the Super Falcons.

Read Also: CAF Awards 2025 Set to Take Place in Morocco

Meanwhile, Bayelsa Queens’ Shakirat Moshood has earned a spot in the Women’s Young Player of the Year category. She is up against Morocco’s Doha El Madani and Senegal’s Adji Ndiaye. CAF highlighted Moshood’s rapid development and her contributions to both her domestic team and the Flamingos, where she captained them to the second round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a standout performance in the WAFU B Zonal Champions League.

The 2025 CAF Awards will celebrate individual achievements and highlight the successes of clubs and national teams across the continent, underscoring the growing influence and talent of African football.

Nigeria’s strong showing in multiple categories further cements its position as a powerhouse in African football, with the country’s players continuing to make significant strides on the continental stage.

Source: Punch