Nigeria will have no representation in any men’s category at the 2026 CAF Awards after the nomination lists were released on Wednesday, www.aclsports.com reports.
CAF, the continent’s football governing body, unveiled the nominees across seven men’s categories, with the Super Eagles, Nigerian players, coaches and clubs all missing from the shortlists.
Nigeria finished third at the AFCON in Morocco back in January, but failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Americas. Although several Nigerians had brilliant individual performances in the year under review, they have been ignored.
Former African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen and fellow Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman are among the notable Nigerian stars overlooked in the Men’s Player of the Year category.
Nigeria’s absence also extends to the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year category, where Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who had a brilliant tournament at the last AFCON, failed to secure a nomination. Eric Chelle was equally overlooked in the Coach of the Year category.
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There will also be no Nigerian representation in the Men’s Young Player of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, National Team of the Year and Club of the Year categories.
The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on Monday, December 7.
