CAF Awards 2025: 7 reasons why Osimhen should be in the running (And why he might fall short)

Victor Osimhen has taken the football world by storm in 2024/2025, showing his scoring ability and leadership on the international stage.

As the race for CAF Player of the Year heats up, many fans and analysts are debating: does Osimhen deserve a shot at the prestigious award?

While his stats and achievements make a strong case, lingering biases and stiff European competition complicate his prospects.

Here’s a breakdown of why Osimhen is a top contender—and why winning might still be out of reach this year.

Osimhen’s tally of 35 goals and 8 assists in just 39 matches for Galatasaray proves he’s among the most lethal strikers globally.

His three goals in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for Nigeria also highlights his significance for both club and country.

He broke Mario Jardel’s single-season scoring record and helped Galatasaray clinch the Turkish Cup.

His dominance in the Süper Lig, where he tops the scoring charts, with 24 goals, demonstrates he's among Europe’s most consistent goal threats outside the traditional big leagues.

His contributions to Nigeria’s AFCON qualification, combined with his scoring prowess, put him in the conversation of Africa’s best.

Unlike previous CAF winners from less glamorous leagues, Osimhen’s international exploits bolster his case.

In 2012 and 2013, Didier Drogba, playing in China and Turkey, finished second and third on the CAF Player of the Year podium respectively.

Also, Egypt great Mohamed Abou Trika finished second in 2008 while playing for iconic club Al Ahly. That history suggests performing well in ‘lesser’ leagues doesn’t automatically disqualify a player.

Contenders like Mohamed Salah at Liverpool and Achraf Hakimi, a key figure at PSG, operate in European top leagues, which are often favoured by voters.

Their high visibility and tougher competition might edge Osimhen out of the winning spot.

Critics argue that the Turkish Süper Lig’s lower competitive level diminishes Osimhen’s case. Some analysts mention other African forwards like Omar Marmoush or Serhou Guirassy, who had more impactful seasons in European competitions—potentially overshadowing Osimhen.

While Osimhen is likely to rank among the top five, clinching the award remains challenging. Overcoming biases in European-centric voting setups is tough, especially against players with more exposure in Europe’s elite leagues.

Victor Osimhen’s incredible scoring record, international contributions, and trophy haul make him a serious contender for CAF Player of the Year 2025.

However, traditional biases and stiff European competition historically favour players representing the top-flight leagues.

While a top-five finish is very likely, perhaps even a nomination, winning the award might require overcoming biases and outshining rivals with higher visibility.

Still, no doubt, Osimhen’s case this year is one of the most compelling in recent African football history.