Nigerian superstar Victor Osimhen will not attend the prestigious 2025 CAF Awards gala scheduled for this evening in Rabat, Morocco, as he prioritizes medical evaluations for a hamstring injury sustained during international duty.
The 26-year-old Galatasaray forward, who is on a season-long loan from Napoli, suffered the injury during Nigeria's dramatic 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff final against the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16, 2025.
Osimhen played the full first half but was substituted at halftime due to discomfort in his left posterior thigh muscle. Nigeria ultimately fell 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, missing out on the intercontinental playoffs and extending the Super Eagles' absence from the World Cup stage.
Upon returning to Istanbul, Osimhen underwent an MRI scan at Acibadem Hospital, a sponsor facility for Galatasaray. The Turkish club officially confirmed a moderate strain with associated bleeding in the left hamstring (posterior thigh muscle group).
Treatment has already commenced, and while initial assessments suggest the issue is not severe, the club's medical staff is monitoring his recovery closely to avoid any aggravation ahead of upcoming fixtures, including a Turkish Super Lig match against Gençlerbirliği.
Osimhen, the reigning 2023 CAF Men's Player of the Year, had traveled to Morocco in anticipation of the awards but departed promptly to comply with Galatasaray's request for immediate imaging and rehabilitation. The decision underscores the growing caution around player welfare during congested international windows, especially for high-value loanees like Osimhen, whose €87 million transfer value made him the most expensive signing in Turkish football history.
This year's Men's Player of the Year category, covering performances from January 6 to October 15, 2025, features a highly competitive final shortlist:
- Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray): Delivered an outstanding campaign with 37 goals in 41 appearances, playing a pivotal role in Galatasaray's domestic double (Turkish Super Lig and Cup titles).
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool): Continued his prolific form in the Premier League and for Egypt, contributing significantly with goals and assists while leading Liverpool's attacking efforts.
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain): A standout defender-turned-wingback, instrumental in PSG's Ligue 1 dominance and Morocco's strong showings, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) reduced an initial list of nominees to this elite trio based on votes from a panel including technical experts, legends, and media representatives. Osimhen's explosive season has positioned him as a strong contender for back-to-back honors, though his physical absence from the ceremony—at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University venue—may shift some narrative focus toward his rivals.
The 2025 CAF Awards, starting at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT), will honor excellence across multiple categories, including Goalkeeper of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and National Team of the Year. Nigeria boasts additional nominees in various sections, highlighting the country's talent depth despite the recent World Cup qualifier disappointment.
Osimhen's injury comes at a critical juncture for Galatasaray, who are competing on multiple fronts, including the UEFA Champions League. The striker has already notched nine goals in 12 appearances this season across all competitions. Fans and analysts will await further updates on his timeline, with optimism that the moderate nature of the strain could see him return within weeks rather than months.
As African football celebrates its brightest stars tonight, Osimhen's enforced absence serves as a reminder of the physical demands placed on the continent's top talents.