Osimhen and Lookman Snubbed from 2026 African Player of the Year Shortlist

CAF unveiled the nominees for the 2026 African Men’s Player of the Year award on Wednesday, omitting Nigerian stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. The pair helped Nigeria finish third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco: Lookman scored three goals and provided four assists, while Osimhen recorded four goals and two assists. Senegal and Morocco each have three players on the shortlist, including Sadio Mané and Achraf Hakimi. Amad Diallo, Yoane Wissa, Antoine Semenyo and Teboho Mokoena are also nominated.