Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen will miss this year’s CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury.
The 26-year-old returned to Galatasaray for a scheduled MRI scan after picking up the injury while on international duty with the Super Eagles.
Osimhen was forced off during the second half of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup playoff final against the Democratic Republic of Congo last Sunday, raising concerns over his fitness ahead of the awards ceremony.
The forward, who previously won the CAF Award in 2023, is in contention for the honour for the second time in his career. His performances both for club and country have kept him among the top African footballers this year.
This year, Osimhen faces competition from Egypt and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, who has also had an outstanding season for club and country. The award is expected to be closely contested among the nominees.
Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi of PSG is another contender, having delivered notable performances throughout the year. His inclusion adds further strength to an already competitive lineup.
Despite his absence from the ceremony, Osimhen’s impact on Nigerian football remains widely recognised. Fans and analysts continue to celebrate his contributions, reinforcing his reputation as one of Africa’s leading players.