Victor Osimhen stands as Nigeria’s sole representative in the men’s category of the CAF Awards, but the Galatasaray striker faces a formidable challenge in his bid to claim the prestigious Player of the Year honour.
The competition is fierce. Mohamed Salah, Egypt’s talisman, guided Liverpool to the Premier League title last season with a staggering 29 goals and 18 assists in 38 starts, amounting to 47 direct goal contributions.
His influence also extended to the international stage, where he helped Egypt secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Achraf Hakimi of Morocco is another strong contender. The Paris Saint-Germain right-back enjoyed a glittering campaign, lifting the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and UEFA Super Cup, while also reaching the FIFA Club World Cup final.
His consistency and impact were equally vital in Morocco’s successful World Cup qualification campaign.
Osimhen, however, has his own case. The Nigerian forward remains one of the most prolific strikers in Europe, scoring 37 goals in 41 appearances for Galatasaray during the 2024/25 season and continuing that form into the current campaign.
His nomination is significant not only for his personal achievements but also for Nigeria’s legacy. Should he win, Osimhen would become only the second Nigerian to claim the award twice, following Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu. It would also mark a third consecutive Nigerian triumph, after back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024.
The odds may be stacked against him given the stellar seasons of Salah and Hakimi, but Osimhen’s relentless scoring and leadership ensure he remains firmly in the conversation.
