The 2025 CAF Awards set for Wednesday, November 19, in Rabat, Morocco, Nigerian football once again stands firmly in the continental spotlight with five nominations.
From established stars to emerging talents, five Nigerians have earned places on the prestigious shortlist—highlighting the nation’s enduring influence in African football.
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This year’s nominations reflect standout performances across club and international competitions, particularly the Super Falcons’ continued dominance and the growing impact of Nigerian players abroad.
Rasheedat Ajibade – Women’s Player of the Year Finalist
Rasheedat Ajibade remains one of Africa’s most electrifying attackers, and her nomination is no surprise to Nigerian fans.
Fresh off being crowned Player of the Tournament at the last TotalEnergies WAFCON, where she led the Super Falcons to their record-extending 10th African title.
Ajibade’s reputation as a big-game star continues to grow.
Now at Paris Saint-Germain, the 25-year-old forward has evolved into a complete attacking force, combining pace, technique, and leadership.
Nigeria will be hoping she brings the prestigious crown back home.
Chiamaka Nnadozie – Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Finalist
Chiamaka Nnadozie has become a global star, and her CAF Awards streak may continue.
The Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper enters the ceremony as a two-time defending winner of the award (2023, 2024), and her performances in 2025 have only strengthened her case.
Voted Best Goalkeeper at the recent WAFCON, Nnadozie’s bravery, reflexes, and command of the box have set her apart as one of the best in the world, not just Africa.
A third consecutive crown is well within reach.
Shakirat Abidemi Moshood – Women’s Young Player of the Year Finalist
One of Nigeria’s brightest rising stars, Shakirat Abidemi Moshood has enjoyed a breakthrough year. The Bayelsa Queens starlet and captain of the Flamingos continues to attract praise for her maturity, strong leadership, and consistent all-round performances.
Her nomination places her among Africa’s top young talents and signals Nigeria’s continued production of elite female footballers.
Super Falcons – Women’s National Team of the Year Finalist
The Super Falcons remain the standard of excellence in African women’s football. After claiming their 10th WAFCON title in dominant fashion, Nigeria’s continental supremacy has once again been recognised.
Their competitive mentality, experience, and impressive squad depth make them favourites in this category—despite strong challenges from rivals Morocco and Ghana.
Victor Osimhen – Men’s Player of the Year Finalist
Nigeria’s biggest male football name, Victor Osimhen, stands tall among Africa’s elite.
The Galatasaray striker delivered a sensational 2024/25 campaign with 37 goals in 41 matches, reaffirming his status as one of the world’s most lethal forwards.
Osimhen’s consistency, fighting spirit, and influence for both club and the Super Eagles keep him firmly in contention.
A win in Rabat would make him one of the very few Nigerians to claim the award more than once.
Nigeria’s Continued Influence on the Continental Stage
Nigeria enters the 2025 CAF Awards with strong representation across key categories, a testament to the country’s footballing pedigree.
From established global stars like Osimhen and Nnadozie to rising gems like Moshood, the nation’s pipeline of talent remains powerful.
As Africa’s football community gathers in Rabat, Nigerian fans will be watching with pride and anticipation, hopeful that the country’s flag will fly high once again on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
