CAF Awards 2026: Osimhen and Lookman left out of Men’s Player of the Year shortlist

Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have been omitted from the 10-player shortlist for the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Player of the Year award.

The Nigerian internationals played key roles in the Super Eagles’ run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where Nigeria finished third.

Lookman was one of the standout performers at the tournament, scoring three goals and providing four assists in six appearances. His displays earned him selection in the AFCON Team of the Tournament.

Osimhen also made a significant contribution to Nigeria’s campaign. He finished as the team’s leading scorer at the competition with four goals, while also supplying two assists.

Despite those performances, neither player features among the nominees for the annual CAF award.

Senegal and Morocco have the strongest representation on the shortlist, with three players from each country included.

Senegal’s nominees are Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr and Pape Gueye.

Morocco’s representatives are Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari.

The other nominees are Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo, DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa, Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo and South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena.

The CAF Awards ceremony will be held in Lagos, Nigeria, on Monday, December 7, 2026.