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Victor Osimhen eyes second CAF Player of the Year crown after stellar season with Galatasaray
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria’s talismanic striker Victor Osimhen has been shortlisted for the 2025 CAF Player of the Year award, marking another chapter in his glittering rise as one of Africa’s most consistent football stars.
The 2023 winner of the prestigious accolade, Osimhen’s inclusion comes after an exceptional campaign that saw him lead Galatasaray to a dominant domestic double in Turkey.
The 26-year-old forward was in sensational form last season, netting 26 goals and providing five assists in 30 league appearances to propel Galatasaray to the Turkish Super Lig title. His influence extended into cup competitions as the club completed a memorable double, reaffirming Osimhen’s reputation as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers.
This season, he has continued in strong form, already finding the net twice in six league outings as Galatasaray aim to defend their crown.
On the international front, Osimhen remains the heartbeat of the Super Eagles attack. He played a decisive role in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco and spearheaded their charge to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Playoffs.
His tally of six goals, including a brilliant hat-trick against Benin Republic, underlined his importance to the three-time African champions as they seek a return to the top of the continental stage.
Osimhen will battle nine other African standouts for the honour, including Franck Anguissa (Cameroon), Fiston Mayele (DR Congo), Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Denis Bouanga (Gabon), Serhou Guirassy (Mali), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco), Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal), and Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal).
Should Osimhen claim the award again, he would become only the second Nigerian player to win multiple CAF Player of the Year titles, after Nwankwo Kanu.
From leading Galatasaray’s title charge to inspiring Nigeria’s international resurgence, Victor Osimhen’s relentless drive and consistency continue to set him apart as one of Africa’s finest football ambassadors.
