According to Daily Post Nigeria, published on November 4, 2026, Nigerian football stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have been left out of the 10-man shortlist for the 2026 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the nominees on Wednesday, with players from Senegal and Morocco dominating the list. The absence of both Nigerian forwards has attracted attention, considering their performances for the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Lookman played six matches at the tournament, scoring three goals and providing four assists. His performances also earned him a place in the competition’s Team of the Tournament.

Osimhen equally made an impact, finishing as Nigeria’s leading scorer with four goals and two assists. The Super Eagles went on to secure third place at the competition.

Despite their contributions, neither player was included among the nominees for the individual award. CAF has not publicly given a specific explanation for their absence from the shortlist.

Senegal and Morocco have the highest number of representatives, with three players each. Senegal’s nominees are Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr and Pape Gueye, while Morocco’s representatives are Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz and Ismaël Saibari.

The remaining four nominees are Amad Diallo of Ivory Coast, Yoane Wissa of DR Congo, Antoine Semenyo of Ghana and Teboho Mokoena of South Africa.

Hakimi, who won the previous edition, will be seeking to retain the award against the other nine contenders.

The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 7, where the continent’s outstanding players, coaches and teams will be recognised.