CAF announces the men’s categories for the 2026 CAF Awards, and Nigerian players are absent from the nominees. Multiple outlets report that Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are not included in the men’s awards shortlists, with coverage highlighting that Nigeria receives zero nominations across the men’s categories announced by CAF.
Nigerian outlets frame the news around the lack of recognition despite recent performances. Several say the snubs extend beyond players to roles including coaches and clubs, and one outlet notes it is the first time since 2015 that no “Super Eagles” player makes the player-of-the-year player nomination cut. Another outlet adds context from last year’s AFCON, citing Nigeria’s bronze finish and that listed players had been named in the tournament’s best eleven.
The international-style context in the reporting focuses on who is included instead. One outlet lists the 10-man men’s player of the year shortlist, led by Senegal and Morocco, and names nominees for coaches of the year as well. Another outlet provides a similar list emphasis, while other reports focus more directly on the absence of Nigerian stars and the overall lack of men’s nominations.
