Who Will Be Africa’s King? Osimhen, Salah, Hakimi Headline CAF Player Of The Year Finalists

The Nigerian forward, who clinched the prestigious title in 2023, is set to challenge for the crown once again after narrowly missing out last year to compatriot Ademola Lookman of Atalanta.

Osimhen will compete against some of Africa’s biggest football stars, including Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Liverpool, and Achraf Hakimi of Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain.

Other nominees on the list include Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), Fiston Mayele (DR Congo), Frank Anguissa (Cameroon), and Dennis Bounaga (Gabon). Senegal’s Pape Matar Sarr and Ilman Ndiaye, along with Algeria’s Ousmanne Lamloui, also made the cut.

The nomination caps off another impressive year for Osimhen, who has remained a key figure for both club and country. Known for his relentless work ethic, sharp finishing, and leadership, the forward continues to be regarded as one of Africa’s top attacking talents.

Notably, Osimhen made history in 2023 as the first Nigerian to win the CAF Player of the Year award since Nwankwo Kanu achieved the feat in 1999.

In other categories, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United (South Africa) has been nominated for Goalkeeper of the Year, where he will compete against Ronwen Williams of South Africa and Andre Onana of Cameroon.

On the women’s side, Super Falcons stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo have been shortlisted for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.

The winners of all categories will be announced at the CAF Awards ceremony later this year.