Galatasaray of Turkey striker, Victor Osimhen’s chances of winning a second African Footballer of The Year award might have been hampered by an updated report that his recent hat-tricks in the UEFA Champions League and 2026 World Cup qualifiers are not part of statistics recorded for the 2025 roll call.
Sports247 recalls that Osimhen struck three stunning goals against Ajax Amsterdam of Netherlands to set mouths wagging about reigniting his chances of getting a second African best player award in three years.
Read Also: Chelle Confirms Osimhen’s Injury, Alleges Use Of Juju By DR Congo
However, expectations that the 2023 winner’s fiery form for club and country will be computed in his favour while deciding his points for this year’s APOY gong are off the mark because only feats before 0ctober 15 will be judged.
This also rules out his hat-trick against Benin Republic during Nigeria’s last match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and a brace he hit last week Thursday versus Gabon in the play-offs.
It is now left to be seen how Osimhen will fare against tough opposition frpm Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, after they were all shortlisted on Sunday for the 2025 award by Confederation of African Football (CAF).
A report by Tribal Football noted, “Osimhen, from top Turkish outfit Galatasaray, has been outstanding recently for club and country, but some of his achievements will not count as the deadline for the judges was October 15th.
“That rules out a Champions League hat-trick against Ajax in Amsterdam and two goals in a 2026 World Cup playoff victory over Gabon last Thursday.”
Sports247 gathered further that the most recent permutations for this year’s award, which will be announced Wednesday in Rabat, Morocco, favour two-time winner, Salah, due to his feats with Liverpool in emerging champions of England
