Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen will be absent from the CAF Awards ceremony scheduled to take place in Rabat after being advised to return to Turkey for immediate medical checks. The Galatasaray forward picked up a hamstring problem while representing the Super Eagles during their recent World Cup qualifying campaign.
Rather than appearing at the prestigious African football ceremony, the 2023 African Player of the Year winner is expected to undergo detailed medical evaluation with his club. Doctors want to determine the severity of the injury through an MRI scan before deciding how long he may be sidelined.
The setback occurred during Nigeria’s dramatic African playoff clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Osimhen was withdrawn at halftime of the match after discomfort in his hamstring raised concerns among the team’s medical staff.
Ironically, the injury came shortly after the striker delivered one of his most impressive international performances. In the semifinal against Gabon, the Nigerian forward scored twice during extra time to push the Super Eagles into the playoff final. Those goals increased his national team tally to 31 and reinforced his importance to the squad.
According to Gossip News Now, Osimhen had been shortlisted once again for the CAF African Player of the Year award, competing with Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi. However, his health now takes priority over the red-carpet event.
While Osimhen’s absence dominated headlines, another Nigerian player also found herself in the spotlight for a different reason. Super Falcons attacker Esther Okoronkwo expressed disappointment after failing to secure a place among the final nominees for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.
Okoronkwo had initially been included among ten potential candidates, and many observers believed her performances during the season made her a strong contender for the final three. When CAF released the shortlist, however, the remaining nominees were Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade alongside Moroccan players Ghizlaine Chebbak and Sanaâ Mssoudy.
Reacting to the development on social media, the Nigerian forward suggested that recognition in football ultimately comes from performances on the field rather than awards ceremonies. She also thanked supporters across the continent for their encouragement despite the outcome.
Outstanding Year for Okoronkwo
The striker’s disappointment stems partly from what many consider a remarkable season. Her achievements included several standout moments for both club and country.
Some of her most notable accomplishments during the evaluation period include:
- Helping Nigeria secure a historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title
- Recording two goals and six assists during the continental tournament
- Delivering a Player of the Match display in the final against Morocco
- Contributing significantly to AFC Toronto’s Northern Super League Supporters’ Shield triumph
During the WAFCON final, Okoronkwo converted a penalty and provided two key assists as Nigeria defeated Morocco 3–2 in a thrilling contest.
Her club campaign was equally impressive. Playing for AFC Toronto, she finished the season with eight goals and seven assists — the highest assist tally in the league. One of her most decisive contributions came when she created the winning goal against Montreal Roses that secured the league title.
Among the 45 foreign players competing in the Northern Super League, Okoronkwo achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African player to lift the inaugural Supporters’ Shield.
Statistically, her performance during the CAF Awards evaluation window — which ran from January 6 to October 15, 2025 — placed her among the most productive attackers in women’s football. She produced more than 20 goal contributions while also winning two major trophies.
Commentary and Analysis
The events surrounding the CAF Awards highlight both the highs and frustrations experienced by Nigerian footballers this year. Osimhen’s injury serves as a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in elite football, especially during demanding international schedules.
Meanwhile, Okoronkwo’s omission from the final shortlist has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Many believe her combination of trophies, statistics, and match-winning performances should have placed her firmly among the top contenders.
Ultimately, awards often reflect broader narratives within the sport, but the long-term legacy of players is shaped primarily by their performances on the field. As Nigerian stars continue to shine across international competitions and club leagues, recognition — whether through trophies or awards — may only be a matter of time.
The CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled to begin later tonight in Rabat, Morocco, at 6 p.m. Nigerian time, where the continent’s best players will be officially honoured.
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