Ademola Lookman, last year’s CAF Player of the Year, is set to relinquish his crown as CAF unveils the 10-man shortlist for the 2025 Men’s Player of the Year Award — with Victor Osimhen the only Nigerian making the cut.
Lookman, who dazzled at Atalanta last season with a Europa League triumph and a top-four Serie A finish, has been left out of this year’s final list despite another impressive individual campaign.
The 28-year-old winger’s exclusion marks a surprising twist, as his compatriot Osimhen continues Nigeria’s representation at Africa’s biggest individual football stage.
Osimhen, now leading the line for Galatasaray, enjoyed an exceptional season, scoring 37 goals and providing eight assists to power the Turkish giants to a domestic double.
His consistency and leadership have once again placed him among Africa’s elite.
Other nominees for the prestigious award include Frank Anguissa, Fiston Mayele, Mohamed Salah, Denis Bouanga, Serhou Guirassy, Achraf Hakimi, Oussama Lamliouli, Ilman Ndiaye, and Pape Matar Sarr.
Victor Osimhen is aiming to make it two awards in three years to keep Nigeria stronghold on the awards.
The Super Eagles was named Africa’s best two years ago after firing Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades.
However, competition is fierce this time around.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi played a pivotal role in their treble-winning campaign and reached the FIFA Club World Cup final, while Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah registered a staggering 34 goals and 25 assists in 52 games, helping the Reds to the Premier League crown.
With Salah and Hakimi leading the race, Osimhen faces a tough battle to reclaim the top spot, but his achievements in Turkey ensure his name remains among Africa’s footballing elite.
