Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have been omitted from the 10-player shortlist for the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Player of the Year award.

The two Nigeria internationals played key roles in the Super Eagles’ run to third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, but neither features among the nominees announced by CAF.

Lookman was one of the standout performers at the tournament, contributing three goals and four assists in six appearances. His displays also secured him a place in the AFCON Team of the Tournament.

Osimhen finished the competition as Nigeria’s leading goalscorer, scoring four goals and providing two assists.

The shortlist is dominated by players from Senegal and Morocco, with both nations supplying three nominees each.

Senegal’s candidates are Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr and Pape Gueye. Morocco’s nominees are Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari.

The other players in contention are Amad Diallo of Ivory Coast, DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa, Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo and South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena.

The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony will be held on Monday, December 7, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.