Victor Osimhen will not attend tonight’s CAF Awards in Rabat after being instructed to return to Galatasaray for medical assessment on the hamstring injury he sustained during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles star, who won the African Player of the Year award in 2023, was shortlisted again this year alongside Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi. Instead of walking the red carpet, the forward will undergo an MRI scan to determine the extent of the damage.
Osimhen was substituted at halftime in Nigeria’s defeat to DR Congo in Sunday’s African play-off final, with team medical staff suspecting a hamstring strain. The setback came just one match after he inspired Nigeria’s progression to the final with two extra-time goals against Gabon, taking his international tally to 31.
Meanwhile, Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has expressed disappointment after failing to make the final shortlist for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, despite a stellar year for both club and country.
Okoronkwo, who was included in the initial 10-player shortlist and widely considered a strong contender for the top three, was omitted when CAF released the final nominees on Sunday. Making the cut were Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade, Morocco’s Ghizlaine Chebbak, and Sanaâ Mssoudy.
“I remain grateful for the support across Africa. CAF’s decision is noted, but my focus stays on the pitch where recognition is earned, not awarded. Awards don’t always reflect reality, but the pitch never lies,” she wrote on Instagram.
Okoronkwo played a key role in Nigeria’s historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph earlier this year. She finished the tournament with two goals, six assists, and a Player of the Match performance in the final against Morocco, where she scored a penalty and created two more goals in the 3–2 victory.
Her club form was equally impressive. At AFC Toronto, she was instrumental in winning the Northern Super League Supporters’ Shield, contributing eight goals and seven assists — the highest assist tally in the league — and setting up the decisive winner against Montreal Roses to clinch the title.
Among 45 foreign players in the NSL, she became the first African to win the inaugural shield and one of just six non-North American players to achieve the feat.
The award’s evaluation window (January 6 to October 15, 2025) places Okoronkwo’s achievements significantly above her competitors, with more than 20 goal contributions and two major trophies. While other nominees posted strong stats, none matched her combined impact for club and country. Temwa Chawinga registered 15 goals and three assists for Kansas City Current, while Barbra Banda tallied eight goals and two assists for Orlando Pride — neither claiming silverware during the period.
The CAF Awards ceremony begins tonight in Rabat, Morocco, at 6 p.m. Nigerian time.
