The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the list of nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards (Men’s Categories), celebrating the continent’s best players, coaches, clubs, and national teams — but Nigeria’s presence on the list is notably sparse.
Despite its vast football heritage and player base across Europe and Africa, Nigeria managed only three nominations across all categories — a sharp contrast to the dominance of Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa, who led the shortlist in nearly every section.
Leading Nigeria’s limited charge is Victor Osimhen, who was nominated for African Player of the Year after a strong campaign with Turkish champions Galatasaray. He is listed alongside Africa’s elite, including Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Cameroon’s Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.
Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s standout performer at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, earned a deserved spot among the ten nominees for Goalkeeper of the Year, following a series of impressive international and club performances for Chippa United in South Africa.
The only other Nigerian name on the list is Daniel Bameyi, who was recognized among the Young Player of the Year contenders. The 18-year-old defender, now plying his trade with NK Primorje in Slovenia, continues to gain attention for his leadership and maturity at youth international level.
Conspicuously absent, however, is the Super Eagles national team, which did not make the cut for National Team of the Year, despite finishing as runners-up at the 2023 AFCON earlier in the year.
Morocco and Egypt dominate this year’s nominations, with Moroccan football — powered by clubs RS Berkane, AS FAR, and a successful national setup — appearing in nearly every category, from senior to youth levels. Egypt’s Pyramids FC and Al Ahly also feature prominently. Football kits
In total, Morocco secured more than 10 nominations, including for Player, Coach, Club, and National Team of the Year, while Nigeria’s three spots mark one of its weakest showings in recent CAF Awards history.
CAF explained that the nominations were determined by a panel of experts comprising members of its Technical and Development Committee, former legends, coaches, and media representatives, based on performances between 6 January and 15 October 2025.
The winners will be announced at the CAF Awards 2025 Gala, scheduled to take place later this year at a yet-to-be-confirmed venue
For now, Nigerian fans will be hoping Osimhen, Nwabali, or Bameyi can deliver some redemption for the country’s limited representation at Africa’s biggest football awards night.
