CAF Awards 2026: Salah, Osimhen And Lookman Shockingly Miss Out As Mokoena Makes Shortlist

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced its nominees for the 2026 Men’s Player of the Year award, but the shortlist has already sparked debate after several of the continent’s biggest football names were left out.

Among the most surprising omissions are Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Guinea international Serhou Guirassy and Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo.

Their absence has attracted attention because of their reputations and contributions to African football. However, CAF’s decision means that none of these high-profile players will compete for the continent’s most prestigious individual football honour this year.

For Nigerian supporters, the announcement is particularly disappointing. Osimhen and Lookman have both previously won the award, with Osimhen claiming the 2023 honour before Lookman took the crown in 2024.

Their omission means Nigeria has no representative in the 10-man Men’s Player of the Year shortlist, despite the country’s strong football history and third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Salah’s absence is another major talking point. The Egyptian forward has established himself as one of Africa’s most recognisable footballers and has won the award twice. His failure to make the 2026 shortlist marks a significant change in a category where he has regularly featured among the leading contenders.

Guirassy and Mbeumo also miss out, adding to the debate about the selection criteria and the performances CAF considered most important during the assessment period.

Meanwhile, the final shortlist features a strong representation from Morocco and Senegal. Reigning African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi is joined by compatriots Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari.

Senegal also has three nominees: Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr and Pape Gueye. Other contenders include Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo, DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa, Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo and South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena.

Mokoena’s inclusion is particularly encouraging for South African football. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder has earned recognition following an impressive campaign, including his contribution to the club’s CAF Champions League triumph.

His nomination places him among Africa’s leading individual performers and gives South African supporters a strong reason to follow the awards ceremony.

CAF has confirmed that the 2026 awards ceremony will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 7. The event will recognise outstanding achievements across African football at both club and international levels.

With several established stars missing from the final list, the debate over who deserved a place is likely to continue. For now, the spotlight is on the ten nominated players as they prepare to compete for one of African football’s most prestigious honours.

Source:

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