The CAF Awards is an annual award organized by the Confederation of African football to recognize the best performing African footballers over the year.
The 2025 edition of the award is set to hold at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat on Wednesday, to recognize greatness in the continent.
The final shortlists have been released, with several Nigerian stars in contention for top honors.
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Reigning champion in the men’s category Ademola Lookman misses out after an underwhelming season, but a Nigerian player still makes the top three for the third consecutive year.
In this article, SportPremi highlights the Nigerian players aiming to clinch an award this time around.
Osimhen to challenge Hakimi and Salah for Men’s Player of the Year
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen makes the final three shortlist for the Men’s Player of the year alongside Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.
The Galatasaray forward enjoyed an impressive 2024-25 campaign, helping the Turkish side to the league and cup double triumphs.
The 26-year-old also claimed the Turkish golden boot award and broke Mario Jardel’s longstanding record for most goals by a foreign player in the league.
However, the former Napoli forward faces stiff competition from Salah and Hakimi for the award.
Mohamed Salah’s outstanding individual campaign led Liverpool to a record-equaling 20th English top-flight title, winning the golden boot award and also finishing with the most assists in the league.
Achraf Hakimi, meanwhile, was instrumental in Paris Saint Germain’s historic treble-winning campaign, which also included a first ever UEFA Champions League title.
Osimhen and Salah are past winners of the award, while Hakimi could claim the prestigious title for the first time in his career.
Ajibade favorite for Women’s player of the year award
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade is a strong candidate to win the CAF Women’s player of the year award after inspiring Nigeria to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
The PSG forward was instrumental in the nation’s success and was crowned the player of the tournament.
She faces competition from Morocco’s Ghizlaine Chebbak who led the Atlas Lioness to the final where they lost to Nigeria and Sanaa Mssoudy, who was named player of the tournament in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala claimed three of the last four awards, with Zambia’s Barbra Banda winning the 2024 edition.
Nnadozie eyeing historic three-peat
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie could win the CAF Women’s goalkeeper of the year award for a third consecutive year since it was introduced in 2023.
The 24-year-old who won the award in 2023 and 2024 is the overwhelming favorite for this year’s crown after helping Nigeria to victory in the 2025 Women’s African Cup of Nations.
She was named goalkeeper of the tournament and her inspiring performances earned her a move to the English Women Super League with Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer.
However, she faces stiff competition from Morocco’s Khadija El-Rmichi and two-time CAF Women’s Champions League goalkeeper of the year winner Andile Dlamini.
Shakirat Moshood nominated for CAF Women’s young player of the year award
Captain of the Nigerian women U-17 side Shakirat Moshood could also claim the award for the women’s young player of the year.
The youngster faces competition from young Senegalese goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye and Morocco’s Doha El Madani for the award.
