The recent 2025 CAF Awards have ignited significant debate across Nigeria. This discussion follows the release of detailed voting breakdowns. These records showed that some Nigerian representatives cast ballots. These votes seemingly weakened the chances of their own country’s top contenders.

Men’s Player of the Year: The Osimhen Controversy

Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi secured the coveted Men’s Player of the Year award. He amassed an impressive 533 points. This total nearly matched the combined scores of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen.

Salah finished with 317 points. Victor Osimhen placed third with 240 points. This was despite a stellar season with Galatasaray. He had previously won the award in 2023.

Hakimi’s win was historic. He became the first Moroccan to claim the honour since 1998. He lifted the Ligue 1 title and won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain. He also helped Morocco qualify for the 2026 World Cup undefeated.

However, Nigerian attention has shifted from Hakimi’s achievement. Focus is now on the surprising voting choices made by some Nigerian officials. A key ballot came from Super Eagles legend Daniel Amokachi. Serving as a CAF Technical Expert, Amokachi placed Osimhen in fifth position. This gave Osimhen only one point from his ballot. His top selections included Hakimi, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, and Mohamed Salah.

In contrast, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle and captain William Troost-Ekong strongly supported their compatriot. They both listed Osimhen as their first choice. Hakimi was their second pick, followed by Pape Matar Sarr.

Snubs in Other Categories: Young Player and Goalkeeper

This trend of Nigerians seemingly voting against their own nominees extended to other categories. Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi finished 10th in the Young Men’s Player category. Nigeria’s media voter, Oluwashina Okeleji, notably excluded Bameyi from his top five choices.

Stanley Nwabali also faced a similar outcome. He delivered a standout year for both club and country. Yet, he placed eighth in the Goalkeeper of the Year category. His coach and captain ranked him first. However, Okeleji opted for Cameroon’s Andre Onana as his top pick. Nwabali was relegated to second on his ballot.

Women’s Categories: Ajibade, Nnadozie, and Ahmadu’s Votes

The Women’s Player of the Year category saw a particularly heated contest. Ghizlane Chebbak of Morocco emerged victorious with 223 points. Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade followed with 155 points, and Esther Okoronkwo with 134.

Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu showed clear support for his players. He backed Okoronkwo first, Ajibade second, and Chebbak third. Even Morocco coach Jorge Vilda ranked Ajibade above Chebbak.

However, Nigeria’s media representative for the women’s category, Samuel Ahmadu, again defied expectations. He ranked Okoronkwo third and Ajibade fifth. His top votes went to Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga. This ballot proved costly for Nigeria’s aspirations in the standings.

Chiamaka Nnadozie retained the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award. This was her third consecutive win. Despite her consistent excellence, Ahmadu rated her fifth. In contrast, both coach Madugu and captain Ajibade listed Nnadozie as their preferred choice.

In the Women’s Young Player category, Flamingos captain Shakirat Moshood secured second place. She finished behind Morocco’s Doha El Madani. Ahmadu once more placed Nigeria’s nominee in fifth position on his ballot.

Even the Super Falcons’ win for the Women’s National Team of the Year was almost jeopardised. The team secured 106 points after their triumphant WAFCON campaign. They narrowly beat Morocco’s 98 points. Ahmadu, however, placed Tanzania first and Nigeria fifth. He was the only judge to do so.

A Call for Reflection

The voting patterns from Nigerian representatives at the 2025 CAF Awards have certainly sparked introspection. This has led to a nationwide discourse. It questions the criteria and loyalty displayed in such crucial international honours.