Osimhen and Lookman Snubbed as Nigeria Misses Out on All Seven Men’s CAF Award Categories
Nigeria has failed to secure a single nomination across the seven men’s categories announced for the 2026 CAF Awards, with former African Footballer of the Year winners Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman missing from the shortlist. The omission marks a sharp reversal for the country, which celebrated consecutive winners in 2023 and 2024.
The snub extends to Nigerian goalkeepers, coaches, clubs and the Super Eagles, with Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye and coach Eric Chelle also missing out. Nigeria’s absence from the national team category comes after the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo on penalties in the African play-off final, ending their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite Nigeria’s rich football history, including three Africa Cup of Nations titles and past CAF award winners, the country received only three nominations in the women’s categories. The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lagos on December 7.
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