No Nigerian footballer makes the CAF 2026 Men Player of the Year shortlist for the first time in many years.
In a historic shock for African football, no Nigerian footballer, including elite Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, has made the prestigious 10-man shortlist for the 2026 CAF Men Player of the Year award, marking a major turning point for the nation.
The Confederation of African Football officially announced the nominees on its X handle, setting the stage for the glamorous awards ceremony scheduled to take place in Lagos on Monday, December 7, where continental football icons will gather.
This surprising omission comes directly on the heels of Nigeria's painful failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing a dramatic African play-off final to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to information published by punchng.
Full 10 Man Shortlist for CAF Men Player of the Year
The highly competitive list features top talents from across the African continent, though it notably lacks any representation from the Super Eagles squad following a difficult qualification cycle for the global tournament.
The official nominees announced by CAF for the Men Player of the Year award include the following standout international football stars:
- Amad Diallo representing Ivory Coast
- Yoane Wissa representing DR Congo
- Antoine Semenyo representing Ghana
- Ismael Saibari representing Morocco
- Achraf Hakimi representing Morocco
- Brahim Diaz representing Morocco
- Ismaila Sarr representing Senegal
- Pape Gueye representing Senegal
- Sadio Mane representing Senegal
- Teboho Mokoena representing South Africa
Impact of World Cup Absence on CAF Nominations
The total absence of Nigerian players highlights how heavily continental individual accolades can be influenced by major international team performances, particularly the FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
The Super Eagles ultimately missed out on reaching the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico after drawing 1-1 with DR Congo after extra time and subsequently losing 4-3 on penalties in November 2025.
Despite this heartbreaking disappointment on the global stage, the senior men national team managed to secure a respectable third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosted in Morocco.
Super Falcons Also Absent from Top Women Categories
The men shortlist announcement follows closely behind another difficult reality for Nigerian football, as no players from the legendary Super Falcons secured nominations for the Women Player of the Year award.
However, providing a glimmer of hope for the nation, the formidable Super Falcons successfully earned a coveted spot on the shortlist for the Women National Team of the Year category.
As the football world prepares for the upcoming CAF Awards ceremony in Lagos, fans and analysts continue to debate the broader implications of these unprecedented omissions for Nigerian football supremacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are no Nigerian players on the CAF 2026 shortlist?
No Nigerian players made the CAF 2026 Men Player of the Year shortlist largely due to the Super Eagles failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a penalty shootout loss to DR Congo.
When and where will the CAF 2026 Awards ceremony take place?
The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is officially scheduled to take place on Monday, December 7, in the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria.
Who are some notable players included on the CAF Men Player of the Year shortlist?
The 10-man shortlist features major football stars such as Senegal forward Sadio Mane, Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi, and Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo.
