Nigerian footballer Victor Osimhen will miss the CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday because of a hamstring injury. The 26‑year‑old striker returned to his club, Galatasaray, for a scheduled MRI scan after sustaining the injury while on international duty with the Super Eagles. The same injury forced him to sit out the second half of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup playoff final against the Democratic Republic of Congo last Sunday, and it now prevents him from attending the awards ceremony where he is a nominee for the top prize.
Osimhen, who won the award in 2023, is vying for the honor for a second time. This year he faces strong competition from Egyptian and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, as well as Achraf Hakimi of PSG and Morocco. The CAF Awards, which have been held annually since 1992, recognize outstanding African footballers; past winners include Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba. Osimhen’s nomination reflects his impressive performances in recent seasons, even though he will not be present at the ceremony.
The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, with the winner of the top prize to be announced later in the evening. While Osimhen’s absence is a disappointment for his fans, his priority is recovery, as he remains a key player for both Galatasaray and the Super Eagles. The football world will watch the results closely, and supporters hope for a swift healing process and Osimhen’s return to the pitch soon.
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