Controversy at 2025 CAF Awards: Nigerians’ Voting Choices Raise Eyebrows

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The aftermath of the 2025 CAF Awards has generated intense discussion among football fans and analysts following the release of the official voting records.

Much of the conversation has centred not on the winners themselves but on how some Nigerian representatives voted during the selection process.

At the centre of the debate is Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi, who secured the prestigious African Footballer of the Year prize after collecting 533 points. The defender’s triumph marked a historic moment, as he became the first Moroccan player in decades to claim the honour.

Osimhen Finishes Third Despite Outstanding Season

Although Victor Osimhen had enjoyed an impressive campaign with Galatasaray S.K., his performance in the voting surprised many observers.

Osimhen, who previously lifted the award in 2023, finished behind Mohamed Salah in the final rankings. Salah accumulated 317 points to secure second place, while the Nigerian striker settled for third with 240 points.

According to Gossip News Now, the discussion quickly shifted toward the voting choices made by some Nigerian panelists, with critics arguing that certain selections may have reduced Osimhen’s chances of reclaiming the title.

Voting Decisions That Sparked Reactions

One of the most talked-about ballots came from Daniel Amokachi, who participated as a CAF technical expert. Instead of ranking Osimhen among his top choices, Amokachi reportedly placed the striker fifth on his list.

His preferred candidates included Hakimi, André‑Frank Zambo Anguissa, Salah, and Serhou Guirassy.

However, Nigeria’s national team leadership took a different approach. Head coach Eric Chelle and captain William Troost‑Ekong both placed Osimhen at the top of their ballots, followed by Hakimi and Pape Matar Sarr.

Other Categories Also Affected

Debates surrounding Nigerian votes extended beyond the main men’s award.

For instance, Daniel Bameyi, captain of the Flying Eagles, placed tenth in the Young Men’s Player category. His position was partly influenced by the fact that one of the Nigerian voters did not include him among their top five selections.

Similarly, Stanley Nwabali finished eighth in the Goalkeeper of the Year category despite strong backing from the national team’s technical crew. In contrast, another Nigerian voter ranked André Onana as the top choice.

Women’s Categories Produce Similar Debate

The women’s awards also produced notable results. Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak emerged as Women’s Player of the Year with 223 points.

She finished ahead of Nigerian internationals Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo, who placed second and third respectively.

Interestingly, different voters ranked the players differently. Nigeria’s national team coach Justine Madugu placed Okoronkwo first, while other judges selected alternative candidates such as Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga.

Despite the controversies, Nigeria still enjoyed success in other areas. Chiamaka Nnadozie retained the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third straight year, and the Nigeria Women’s National Football Team claimed the Women’s National Team of the Year prize after their WAFCON triumph.

Commentary and Analysis

The revelations from the voting records have reignited a long-standing conversation in African football about how national representatives approach continental awards.

Some analysts argue that voters should prioritise merit regardless of nationality, ensuring that awards maintain credibility and fairness. Others believe national representatives should naturally support candidates from their own countries when performances are closely matched.

The 2025 results highlight how differing perspectives among coaches, players, and journalists can significantly shape the outcome of prestigious awards. While Hakimi’s victory reflects a remarkable season at both club and international level, the debate surrounding the voting process shows that recognition in African football is often influenced by complex and sometimes controversial choices.