FULL LIST: Nigerian stars missing from CAF 2026 Player of the Year award shortlist

Nigerian footballers, including Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, have been notably absent from the 2026 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award shortlist. The nominees, revealed by CAF on X, include Sadio Mané from Senegal, Achraf Hakimi from Morocco, and Amad Diallo from Ivory Coast, among others. The absence of Nigerian players marks the first time in many years and comes amid Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The full list of nominees spans across various categories, including the Men’s Young Player of the Year, Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, Men’s National Team of the Year, Men’s Club of the Year, and Men’s Coach of the Year.

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