The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the 2025 edition of the prestigious CAF Awards will be held in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, November 19.
The ceremony, slated to begin at 7 p.m. local time (same as Nigerian time), will once again celebrate the continent’s brightest footballing talents, from players and coaches to clubs and national teams, who have distinguished themselves over the past year.
For Nigeria, it’s another year in the spotlight. Several of the country’s football icons have made the shortlists in major categories, reflecting a period of consistent excellence and growing influence on the African stage.
Leading the pack is Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who is bidding to retain the CAF African Player of the Year award he won in 2023. The 26-year-old forward remains one of Africa’s most prolific goal scorers in Europe and a talisman for both club and country.
Also in contention is Stanley Nwabali, the Super Eagles’ heroic goalkeeper whose remarkable performances at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year cemented his reputation as one of the continent’s best shot-stoppers.
The Chippa United star is vying for the Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Rising star Daniel Bameyi, currently playing for Primorje in Slovenia, has been nominated for Young Player of the Year, marking another milestone for Nigeria’s youth football development.
On the women’s side, Nigeria’s dominance continues. Rasheedat Ajibade of Atletico Madrid and Esther Okoronkwo both earned spots on the African Women’s Player of the Year shortlist. Meanwhile, Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons’ dependable number one, is among the contenders for Goalkeeper of the Year — a recognition of her stellar form for both club and country.
The CAF Awards, often described as Africa’s answer to the Ballon d’Or, will feature a mix of glamour, competition, and celebration of African excellence. This year’s event in Rabat is expected to draw football legends, global media, and dignitaries from across the continent.
As the countdown begins, Nigerian fans will be watching closely, hoping their stars once again bring home the continent’s most coveted individual prizes — reaffirming the country’s status as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
