Nigeria has earned a strong presence at the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards, with three of its football stars – Victor Osimhen, Stanley Nwabali, and Daniel Bameyi – shortlisted in key categories.
Newsonspot reports that the announcement, made by CAF on Wednesday, underscores Nigeria’s growing dominance in African football.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who recently completed a successful loan spell at Galatasaray, is back among the top 10 contenders for African Player of the Year. The forward, who led his Turkish club to league and cup triumphs, continues to impress with his consistent performances for the Super Eagles, especially during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His leadership and goal-scoring brilliance have once again placed him among the continent’s elite.
Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s dependable number one and Chippa United star, earned a nomination for Goalkeeper of the Year. The 28-year-old will contend with South Africa’s Ronwen Williams and Cameroon’s Andre Onana of Manchester United. Nwabali became a national hero after his standout performances at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where his saves were crucial in taking Nigeria to the final.
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Also on the shortlist is Daniel Bameyi, captain of Nigeria’s U20 team, who has been nominated for Young Player of the Year. His remarkable displays at the U20 AFCON and the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile earned him recognition as one of Africa’s most promising defenders.
CAF also announced other categories such as Coach of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, National Team of the Year, and Club of the Year. This year’s ceremony, scheduled to be held in Morocco, will celebrate achievements between January 6 and October 15, 2025, recognizing outstanding contributions from players, coaches, and teams across the continent.
As anticipation builds, Nigerians will be hoping for a clean sweep by their football ambassadors – a moment that could further cement the nation’s influence in African football.
