Osimhen to Miss CAF Awards Ceremony

Victor Osimhen will not be attending this year’s CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco, as the striker has returned to Galatasaray for an MRI scan on the hamstring injury he picked up while on international duty with Nigeria.

Osimhen — who won the African Player of the Year award in 2023 — is shortlisted again this year, alongside Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and PSG/Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi.

The scan scheduled for today will confirm the extent of the injury he sustained during Sunday’s 2026 World Cup African play-off final against DR Congo. He was taken off at halftime as a precaution after feeling discomfort.

Before the setback, the 27-year-old had been crucial for the Super Eagles, scoring two extra-time goals in the semi-final win over Gabon to take his Nigeria tally to 31.

Osimhen’s absence means he’ll miss his return to the CAF podium, two years after lifting the award — a title later won by fellow Nigerian Ademola Lookman.