Osimhen, Lookman Snubbed as CAF Unveils 2026 Men’s Player of the Year Shortlist

Nigerian football stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have been left out of the nominees for the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Player of the Year award.

CAF unveiled the shortlist on Wednesday, with neither player making the final list despite their contributions to Nigeria’s campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The Super Eagles finished third at the tournament, with Lookman and Osimhen playing key roles in the team’s performance.

Lookman recorded three goals and four assists in six appearances for Nigeria. His impressive displays also earned him a place in the AFCON Team of the Tournament.

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

Senegal and Morocco have the highest representation on the shortlist, with three players each.

Senegal’s nominees are Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr and Pape Gueye, while Morocco is represented by Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz and Ismaël Saibari.

Other players nominated for the award include Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo, DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa, Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo and South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena.

The absence of Osimhen and Lookman is a notable setback for Nigeria’s representation in the prestigious individual award, particularly given their performances at the continental tournament.