Nigeria will head into the gala ceremony in Rabat with strong hopes of continental recognition as Rasheedat Ajibade, Victor Osimhen, Chiamaka Nnadozie and Shakirat Moshood made the cut across major categories, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF), on Sunday unveiled the final shortlists for the 2025 CAF Awards on Sunday.
Others missing are Esther Okoronkwo, who was dropped in the final list of the Women’s Player of the year category and head coach of the Super Falcons, Justin Madugu, is missing.
CAF noted that all nominees were selected by a panel of experts including coaches, legends, and media analysts, based on performances across domestic, continental and international competitions.
The continental awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, honoring the best performers across Africa from January 6 to October 15, 2025.
Ajibade Makes Final Three for Women’s Player of the Year
Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade has capped off a sensational year with a nomination among the final three for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward was pivotal in Nigeria’s historic 2024 WAFCON triumph, where she was crowned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Before joining PSG in the summer, Ajibade also helped Atlético Madrid Femenino secure UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification.
She will compete for the crown against two Moroccan stars:
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Ghizlane Chebbak (Al Hilal) – Top scorer at WAFCON 2024
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Sanaa Mssoudy (AS FAR) – One of the continent’s most consistent attacking talents
Nigeria’s Esther Okoronkwo narrowly missed a spot in the top three despite her brilliance, including MVP in the WAFCON final
CAF will announce the winners on November 19.
Nnadozie Eyes Historic Hat-Trick as Goalkeeper of the Year Finalist
Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie has earned her third consecutive nomination for CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
Nnadozie, who won the award in 2023 and 2024, is aiming for a remarkable third straight victory.
The Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper enjoyed a stellar year:
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Key role in Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title, including a dramatic comeback against Morocco.
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Helped Paris FC to Coupe de France glory before moving to the WSL.
She battles Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi (AS FAR) and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini for the honour.
Osimhen Makes Top Three for Men’s Player of the Year
On the men’s side, Super Eagles star and Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen was named among the three finalists for CAF Men’s Player of the Year, competing against:
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Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool)
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Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG)
Osimhen, who won the award in 2023, is looking to reclaim the crown in a category last won by Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman in 2024.
Shakirat Moshood Among Women’s Young Player of the Year Finalists
Bayelsa Queens star, Shakirat Moshood earned a deserved nomination for CAF Women’s Young Player of the Year, following her rapid rise in domestic and continental football.
She is joined on the shortlist by:
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Doha El Madani (Morocco)
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Adji Ndiaye (Senegal)
CAF highlighted Moshood’s outstanding year:
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Led Bayelsa Queens to the WAFU B Champions League final, finishing as top scorer.
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Captained the Flamingos to the second round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Other Key Categories Featuring African Football Stars
Women’s Categories
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Player of the Year:
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria/PSG)
Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco/Al Hilal)
Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco/AS FAR) -
Goalkeeper of the Year:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria/Brighton)
Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco/AS FAR)
Andile Dlamini (South Africa) -
Young Player of the Year:
Shakirat Moshood (Nigeria/Bayelsa Queens)
Doha El Madani (Morocco)
Adji Ndiaye (Senegal)
Men’s Categories
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Player of the Year:
Mohamed Salah
Achraf Hakimi
Victor Osimhen -
Goalkeeper of the Year:
Munir Mohamedi
Yassine Bonou
Ronwen Williams -
Interclub Player of the Year:
Fiston Mayele
Mohamed Chibi
Oussama Lamlioui -
Coach of the Year:
Bubista (Cape Verde)
Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco U20)
Walid Regragui (Morocco) -
Young Player of the Year:
Abdellah Ouazane
Othmane Maamma
Tylon Smith -
National Team of the Year:
Cape Verde
Morocco
Morocco U20 -
Club of the Year:
Pyramids
RS Berkane
Mamelodi Sundowns
Some women’s categories, including Coach of the Year, Interclub Player, and Club of the Year will be announced after the CAF Women’s Champions League Egypt 2025 concludes.
