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Osimhen, Lookman omitted as CAF unveils men’s award nominees
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the men’s categories nominees’ shortlist for the 2026 CAF Awards, with notable players like Achraf Hakimi, Yan Diomande, and Sadio Mané appearing in various categories.
CAF officially released the men’s nominees on Wednesday, November 4, following the release of the women’s category, which was released the day before.
The 10-man shortlist was announced for the 2026 Men’s African Player of the Year award alongside other key men’s categories.
Similar to the women’s category, no Nigerian player made the final 10-man shortlist for the Player of the Year award.
There are 10 nominees selected in each of the seven men’s categories for the awards ceremony, which will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on Monday, 07 December.
Achraf Hakimi headlines star-studded list
The race for Africa’s most prestigious award features exceptional players from different countries.
Reigning Men’s African Player of the Year, Achraf Hakimi has yet again been nominated for the category after his contribution for club and country across the 2025/26 season.
Hakimi will be defending his crown after an exceptional season with Paris Saint-Germain, helping them secure another UEFA Champions League title for the second year in a row.
Senegal’s two-time award winner, Sadio Mané, also received a nomination for his impact for Saudi side Al Nassr and his contribution to Senegal’s 2026 Africa Cup of Nations title in January alongside nominee Papa Gueye.
Premier League stars like Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo and Amad Diallo are included in the list for their contributions across the Premier League and AFCON tournament.
Also nominated is South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns and led them to their historic second TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title in May 2026.
Other nominees in this category include DR Congo‘s Yoane Wissa, Morocco‘s Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari, and Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr.
Vozinha gets nominated for Goalkeeper of the year
Cabo Verde’s veteran goalkeeper who made waves at the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, Josimar José Évora Dias ‘Vozinha ‘, has received a nomination for the goalkeeper of the year category.
Vozinha earns recognition following his country’s historic FIFA World Cup debut.
South Africa’s Ronwen Williams is among the prominent contenders after captaining Mamelodi Sundowns to their second TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title in May 2026.
Morocco’s Yassine Bonou remains a leading contender after his performances for the national team, including two penalty saves against Nigeria in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025.
Morocco’s Yassine Bonou and Senegal’s Edouard Mendy, who both play in the Saudi Pro League, are also recognized for their AFCON contributions.
To complete the 10-man list are Algeria‘s Oussama Benbot, Côte d’Ivoire’s Yahia Fofana, DR Congo’s Lionel Mpasi, Egypt’s El-Mahdi Soliman and Mostafa Shobeir, and Morocco’s Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti.
Yan Diomande leads Young Player of the Year category
The Men’s Young Player of the Year award highlights ten emerging footballers who have announced themselves at the highest levels of club and international competition.
In the young players’ award category, Real Madrid and Côte d’Ivoire’s Yan Diomande leads the nominee charge alongside international teammate, Christ Inao.
The outstanding youngsters shortlist includes Ghana’s Caleb Yirenkyi, Morocco’s Abdellah Ouazane and Ayoub Bouaddi, Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza and Cameroon‘s Christian Kofane, Egypt’s Hamza Abdelkarim and Mali’s Ismael Kamissoko.
Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye completes the shortlist following his progress in European football.
Other award categories include Interclub Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, National Team of the Year, and Club of the Year.
The prestigious awards ceremony will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on Monday, 07 December 2026, bringing together Africa’s leading football personalities to celebrate outstanding achievements at club and international level.
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