CAF has revealed the ten nominees for the 2026 Men's Player of the Year award — and two of Nigeria's standout performers from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations are nowhere to be found on the list. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have both been omitted despite their considerable contributions during the Super Eagles' run to third place at AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

Lookman and Osimhen's AFCON impact ignored

Lookman was one of the most eye-catching players of the entire tournament, delivering three goals and four assists across six matches. His performances were recognised with a place in the AFCON Team of the Tournament — making his exclusion from CAF's own awards shortlist all the more puzzling.

Osimhen was equally influential, finishing as Nigeria's top scorer at the competition with four goals and two assists. Together, the pair drove Nigeria's charge deep into the tournament, yet neither earned a nomination from the continental governing body.

Senegal and Morocco lead the nominations

Senegal and Morocco dominate the shortlist, with three nominees apiece. Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr, and Pape Gueye carry the flag for Senegal, while Morocco are represented by Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, and Ismaël Saibari.

The remaining four spots are filled by Amad Diallo of Ivory Coast, Yoane Wissa of DR Congo, Antoine Semenyo of Ghana, and Teboho Mokoena of South Africa.

Lagos to host the ceremony

The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled for Monday, 7 December 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria — a ceremony that will now take place without any Nigerian player in the running for the top individual honour.