According to a report from Daily Post Nigeria, on Thursday November 12, 2026, former Nigeria Football Association chairman Kojo Williams says Nigeria’s recent results help explain why no Nigerian players were nominated for the men’s or women’s African Player of the Year awards.

Williams argued that the Confederation of African Football should not be blamed, saying the national teams’ performances had not earned Nigerian players a place on the shortlists.

The Super Eagles missed out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup and finished third at the latest Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Falcons, meanwhile, failed to qualify for the Women’s World Cup and did not finish in the top three at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

CAF’s 10-player men’s shortlist includes several leading African players, among them Achraf Hakimi, Amad Diallo, Ismaïla Sarr, Yoane Wissa and Ismael Saibari.

Speaking on ThePlayzone podcast, Williams said Nigeria’s omission was understandable.

“It all comes down to our performances and what we’ve achieved over the past year,” he said. “Did we qualify for the World Cup? We didn’t win the AFCON. You can’t fault that.”

Victor Osimhen’s absence has drawn particular attention. The Galatasaray striker scored four goals at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and helped his club retain the Turkish Süper Lig title.

Williams praised Osimhen but suggested that factors beyond individual form can influence the award. He noted that the striker had performed well in Europe, while other nominees represented clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain. Williams also pointed out that Osimhen had previously won the award while playing for Napoli.