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Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle have been left out of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) 2026 Awards shortlists.
CAF announced its nominees on Wednesday, November 4, with 10 players shortlisted for the Men’s Player of the Year award and another 10 coaches selected for the coaching category, Blueprint reports.
The omission comes after a mixed year for Nigerian football. The Super Eagles secured bronze at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco but failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Osimhen and Lookman delivered notable performances for their clubs and Nigeria during the assessment period. However, neither forward secured a place among the 10 nominees.
The development is particularly significant because Osimhen won the African Player of the Year award in 2023, while Lookman received the honour in 2024.
Hakimi, Mané And Semenyo Lead Player Of The Year Shortlist
Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, who won the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, has received another nomination as he seeks to retain his continental title.
He faces competition from nine other players, including Senegal’s Sadio Mané and Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo.
Morocco and Senegal dominate the shortlist with three representatives each.
Hakimi is joined by compatriots Brahim Díaz and Ismaël Saibari. Senegal’s nominees include Mané, Ismaïla Sarr and Pape Gueye.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Amad Diallo, DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa, Ghana’s Semenyo and South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena complete the list.
The 10 nominees are:
Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire)
Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)
Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)
Ismaël Saibari (Morocco)
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Brahim Díaz (Morocco)
Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal)
Pape Gueye (Senegal)
Sadio Mané (Senegal)
Teboho Mokoena (South Africa)
CAF’s announcement highlighted performances in domestic leagues, continental competitions and international tournaments.
Osimhen, Lookman Miss Out Despite AFCON Contributions
Osimhen’s omission is notable considering his performances for Galatasaray and the Super Eagles during the assessment period.
According to the supplied 2025/26 season statistics, the Nigerian striker recorded 15 goals and five assists in the Turkish Super Lig.
He also registered seven goals and two assists in the UEFA Champions League.
At the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, Osimhen finished as Nigeria’s leading scorer with four goals and two assists.
Lookman also made significant contributions during the tournament, scoring three goals and providing four assists in six appearances.
His performances earned him a place in the AFCON Team of the Tournament.
Despite their contributions at club and international levels, neither Nigerian forward made CAF’s 10-man shortlist.
Nigeria’s World Cup Failure Overshadows Super Eagles Campaign
Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains one of the major setbacks surrounding the national team’s campaign.
The Super Eagles finished behind South Africa in their qualifying group and entered the African play-offs in pursuit of a place at the tournament.
They defeated Gabon 4-1 after extra time in the semi-final. Akor Adams opened the scoring before Chidera Ejuke and Osimhen, who scored twice, completed the victory.
However, Nigeria’s qualification hopes ended against DR Congo in the decisive encounter in Rabat.
Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria the lead, but Meschack Elia equalised for DR Congo.
The match remained 1-1 after extra time, with DR Congo winning 4-3 on penalties to advance to the intercontinental play-offs.
The defeat meant Nigeria missed a second consecutive World Cup after failing to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
AFCON Bronze Medal Provides Some Consolation
Despite missing the World Cup, Nigeria enjoyed a strong campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Super Eagles progressed through the group stage before defeating Mozambique and Algeria in the knockout rounds.
They eventually lost to hosts Morocco in the semi-final after a goalless draw, with Morocco advancing through a penalty shootout.
Nigeria recovered to defeat Egypt in the third-place match, also through penalties, to secure the bronze medal.
Osimhen and Lookman played important roles throughout the competition.
However, Nigeria’s continental performance did not earn either forward a place among CAF’s 2026 Player of the Year nominees.
Chelle Also Misses Out On Coach Of The Year Shortlist
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has also failed to secure a nomination for the Men’s Coach of the Year award.
Appointed in January 2025, the Franco-Malian tactician was tasked with improving Nigeria’s performances and reviving its World Cup qualification campaign.
He guided the team to the 2025 AFCON bronze medal and oversaw an improved attacking display during parts of his tenure.
However, Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup remained a major setback.
The Super Eagles reached the African play-off final under Chelle but lost to DR Congo on penalties after failing to protect their early advantage.
His achievements were not enough to secure a place among CAF’s 10 shortlisted coaches.
Morocco, Senegal Dominate Coach Of The Year Nominations
The Men’s Coach of the Year shortlist features 10 tacticians recognised for their performances in international and continental club competitions.
The nominees include Senegal’s Pape Thiaw, Morocco’s Walid Regragui and Mohamed Ouahbi, DR Congo’s Sébastien Desabre and Egypt’s Hossam Hassan.
Other candidates are Miguel Cardoso of Mamelodi Sundowns, Lamine N’Diaye of USM Alger, Alexandre Santos of AS FAR and Moatamed Gamal of Zamalek.
Cabo Verde coach Pedro Leitão Brito, popularly known as Bubista, also made the shortlist after guiding his country to its first FIFA World Cup appearance.
Cardoso’s nomination follows Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League success in May 2026.
The club defeated Morocco’s AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate to claim the continental title.
N’Diaye also earned recognition after leading USM Alger to the CAF Confederation Cup title.
The full shortlist comprises:
Lamine N’Diaye (USM Alger)
Pedro Leitão Brito ‘Bubista’ (Cabo Verde)
Sébastien Desabre (DR Congo)
Hossam Hassan (Egypt)
Moatamed Gamal (Zamalek)
Alexandre Santos (AS FAR)
Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco)
Walid Regragui (Morocco)
Pape Thiaw (Senegal)
Miguel Cardoso (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Lagos To Host 2026 CAF Awards Ceremony
The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 7.
The event will bring together African footballers, coaches, administrators and other stakeholders to celebrate achievements across the continent.
The awards will recognise performances in seven men’s categories, including Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Young Player of the Year, National Team of the Year and Club of the Year.
Nigeria’s hosting of the ceremony without Osimhen, Lookman and Chelle featuring in the major men’s individual shortlists represents a disappointing development for the country’s football community.
The final awards will recognise outstanding contributions across African football during the assessment period.
