Chiamaka Nnadozie shines again and the Super Falcons dominate, while Victor Osimhen is denied Africa’s top spot.
.At the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco, Nigeria claimed a “prize double.” But Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen narrowly lost out on the top individual honour. While the Nigerian contingent celebrated, the night ultimately belonged to North African stars.
The biggest shock came in the men’s African Player of the Year category. Achraf Hakimi of Morocco, fresh from a stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain, took the award ahead of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen. Hakimi made history as one of the few defenders in CAF Awards history to clinch this top prize.
But Nigeria did have reason to celebrate. Chiamaka Nnadozie, shot-stopper for Brighton and Hove Albion and the Super Falcons, won the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award; marking her third consecutive CAF title in that category. In addition, the Super Falcons themselves were named Women’s National Team of the Year, capping off a strong showing from Nigeria on the women’s side of the awards.
Osimhen’s Near Miss — What Went Wrong?
Osimhen, who had been tipped by many to reclaim the African Player of the Year crown, was edged out in the vote despite a sensational club season. The Nigerian striker joined a star-studded shortlist that included Hakimi and Egypt’s Salah. While his exclusion from the top spot is a blow, finishing third still underscores his status as one of Africa’s most consistent forwards.
Nigeria’s Female Football Flourishes
If Osimhen’s loss was disappointing, Nnadozie’s win was pure vindication. Over the years, she has established herself as a dominant force between the posts, and the 2025 award reinforces her legacy. Meanwhile, the Super Falcons’ recognition as Women’s National Team of the Year reminds the continent of Nigeria’s historical strength in women’s football, even amid tough competition.
The 2025 CAF Awards night was largely a Moroccan affair. Hakimi’s triumph was emblematic of that dominance, but he wasn’t alone. Ghizlane Chebbak, another Moroccan star, won Women’s Player of the Year, adding to her continental acclaim. Also, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was awarded Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, highlighting just how strong Morocco’s presence was.
Cape Verde also made headlines: Bubista, who coached the Cape Verde national team to World Cup qualification, won Men’s Coach of the Year. Meanwhile, in the youth categories, Othmane Maamma of Morocco bagged the Young African Player, while Doha El Madani (also Moroccan) won in the women’s youth category.
The Super Falcons’ recognition and Nnadozie’s award strengthen Nigeria’s reputation in African women’s football. For the Super Eagles, the result could be a wake-up call; more domestic and international development is needed to compete with footballing powerhouses like Morocco.
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