Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and Super Falcons forward Rasheedat Ajibade headline a strong list of Nigerian nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards, scheduled for November 19 in Rabat, Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Friday that the glamorous ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m. local time (6:00 p.m. Nigerian time). The event will honour Africa’s finest footballers, coaches, and teams who have excelled for both club and country over the past year.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe and other top officials from across the continent are expected to grace the occasion, which will mark the third consecutive year that Morocco hosts the prestigious awards.
Nigeria will be well represented, with Osimhen, Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Stanley Nwabali, Daniel Bameyi, Shakirat Moshood, Justine Madugu, and Bankole Olowookere all shortlisted in various categories.
Osimhen, currently shining at Galatasaray, is eyeing a second CAF African Player of the Year title after his triumph in 2023. He faces tough competition from Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), Denis Bouanga (Gabon/LAFC), and Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon/Napoli), among others.
Last year’s winner and fellow Nigerian, Ademola Lookman, was omitted from this year’s list following an inconsistent season with Atalanta.
In the women’s category, Ajibade and Okoronkwo are among the leading contenders for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. Okoronkwo’s stellar performances for club and country have earned her recognition among the favourites, as she looks to succeed Zambia’s Barbra Banda, who claimed the prize in 2024.
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, winner of the Best Goalkeeper (Women) award in 2023 and 2024, is strongly tipped to make it three in a row after another standout season with Paris FC/Brighton and Nigeria.
In the men’s goalkeeping category, Stanley Nwabali is in contention for Goalkeeper of the Year, while Daniel Bameyi and Shakirat Moshood are nominated in the Young Player of the Year (Men and Women) categories.
Nigeria’s presence also extends to the technical area, with Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu and Flamingos coach Bankole Olowookere shortlisted for CAF Women’s Coach of the Year.
The 2025 CAF Awards will also feature honours for National Team of the Year (Men & Women) and Club of the Year, as African football’s brightest stars gather for a night of celebration in Rabat.
