Osimhen, Lookman, Salah Missing As CAF Unveils Star-Studded Awards Shortlist

Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Egypt captain Mohamed Salah have been omitted from the nominees for the Men’s Player of the Year award at the CAF Awards 2026, despite an impressive line-up featuring some of Africa’s biggest football stars.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the 10-man shortlist ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on Monday, 7 December 2026.

Reigning African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi of Morocco headlines the nominations as he seeks to retain the individual honour he won in 2025.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender faces competition from former winner Sadio Mané, Senegalese duo Ismaila Sarr and Pape Gueye, Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari, Côte d’Ivoire’s Amad Diallo, DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa and South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena.

The absence of Nigeria’s Osimhen and Lookman, who have both enjoyed prominent careers at club and international levels, is a major talking point, particularly with the Super Eagles forward duo missing out on recognition in the continent’s most prestigious individual football category.

Egypt’s Salah, another established African football heavyweight, is also conspicuously absent from the list.

CAF said the nominations followed an eventful year for African football, highlighted by the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, the continent’s record-breaking participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and fiercely contested CAF inter-club competitions.

Morocco, Senegal and South Africa enjoy strong representation following their performances in major international competitions, while emerging talents have also earned recognition for their breakthroughs on the global stage.

Morocco have three representatives in Hakimi, Diaz and Saibari, while Senegal also boast three nominees in Mané, Sarr and Gueye.

Ghana’s Semenyo earned his place following his impressive rise in English football and contributions to the Black Stars, while Diallo’s performances for Manchester United and Côte d’Ivoire secured his nomination.

Wissa represents DR Congo after an impressive campaign, while Mokoena completes the list following his influential role in Mamelodi Sundowns’ continental success.

Beyond the Men’s Player of the Year category, CAF will recognise outstanding performances in six other men’s categories: Goalkeeper of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Young Player of the Year, National Team of the Year and Club of the Year.

Ten nominees have been selected in each of the seven categories, reflecting achievements across club and international football during the assessment period.

The CAF Awards 2026 will bring together leading players, coaches, administrators and other football stakeholders in Lagos to celebrate the continent’s outstanding performers.

CAF MEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire/Manchester United)

Yoane Wissa (DR Congo/Newcastle United)

Antoine Semenyo (Ghana/Manchester City)

Ismael Saibari (Morocco/Bayern Munich)

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain)

Brahim Diaz (Morocco/Real Madrid)

Ismaila Sarr (Senegal/Crystal Palace)

Pape Gueye (Senegal/Villarreal)

Sadio Mané (Senegal/Al-Nassr)

Teboho Mokoena (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns)