Nigeria’s hopes of celebrating a double triumph at the 2025 CAF Awards was dashed last night in Rabat, as Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen finished as runners-up in Africa’s top individual honours.
Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Achraf Hakimi claimed the Women’s and Men’s Player of the Year awards respectively, completing a landmark night for Moroccan football.
At the prestigious ceremony held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Chebbak was crowned CAF Women’s Player of the Year, edging out Ajibade and fellow Moroccan star Sanna Mssoudy.
Hakimi later took home the CAF Men’s Player of the Year prize, finishing ahead of Osimhen and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah.
For Ajibade, the night came agonisingly close to a crowning moment. The Nigerian captain delivered one of the finest calendar years of her career—leading the Super Falcons to a record 10th WAFCON title, winning the Player of the Tournament, earning a place in the Team of the Year, and securing a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain, where she quickly made her mark with a Champions League goal against Real Madrid.
But Chebbak’s immaculate year proved just enough to tilt the scales. The Moroccan talisman dominated the 2024 WAFCON, winning the Golden Boot with five goals, making the Team of the Tournament, and earning recognition in the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11.
Osimhen—Africa’s 2023 Player of the Year—also fell narrowly short in his quest for a second crown. The Super Eagles star enjoyed a blistering campaign on loan at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals and seven assists, powering the Turkish giants to a domestic double. He has continued that form this season, leading the UEFA Champions League scoring chart with six goals.
However, Hakimi’s consistency and success at both club and country level ultimately proved decisive. The Moroccan right-back played a vital role in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic treble—the Champions League, Ligue 1, and French Cup—while contributing nine goals and 12 assists across competitions. As captain of the Atlas Lions, he led Morocco to a flawless World Cup qualifying run, winning all eight matches and securing a direct ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite their near misses, Ajibade and Osimhen leave Rabat with their reputations strengthened. Both players delivered world-class performances for club and country throughout 2024–25, reaffirming Nigeria’s standing as a powerhouse in African football. Their remarkable seasons ensure they remain firmly among the continent’s elite—and strong contenders for future honours.
