Nigeria’s football stars continue to shine on the continental stage as Victor Osimhen and Rasheedat Ajibade have been named finalists for the 2025 CAF Player of the Year awards. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and Bayelsa Queens forward Shakirat Moshood also earned recognition in their respective categories.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the final shortlist on Sunday ahead of the awards gala scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, in Rabat, Morocco. The awards honour the best performers across African football from January 6 to October 15, 2025.

On the men’s side, Osimhen, who has been in outstanding form with Galatasaray, joins Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi as finalists for the CAF African Player of the Year award. His nomination continues Nigeria’s strong representation in the men’s category, following Ademola Lookman in 2024 and Osimhen himself in 2023.

In the women’s category, Rasheedat Ajibade, who played a pivotal role for Paris Saint-Germain and led the Super Falcons to their 10th WAFCON title, is shortlisted alongside Morocco’s Ghizlaine Chebbak of Al Hilal and Sanaa Mssoudy of AS FAR.

CAF praised all finalists for their exceptional contributions to both club and country throughout the season.

The 2025 CAF Awards will celebrate individual brilliance as well as the accomplishments of clubs and national teams, highlighting players and coaches who have made a significant impact on African football over the past year. Nigeria’s strong showing across multiple categories reflects the nation’s growing influence and the depth of its football talent on the continent.