Victor Osimhen Misses 2025 CAF Awards to Attend Hamstring Scan

Victor Osimhen will not attend the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday as he returns to Galatasaray for an MRI scan on a hamstring injury sustained while on international duty with Nigeria.

The 27-year-old striker, who claimed the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award in 2023, is once again shortlisted, competing against Egypt and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, as well as Morocco and PSG defender Achraf Hakimi.

Osimhen was substituted at halftime during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup African play-off final loss to DR Congo on Sunday after picking up the hamstring injury. The MRI scan will determine the severity of the issue and guide his recovery.

Despite the setback, Osimhen has enjoyed a strong campaign for the national team, including an extra-time brace against Gabon in the semi-final, bringing his tally for Nigeria to 31 goals. He returns to the CAF Awards podium two years after his previous triumph, which was followed by his compatriot Ademola Lookman taking the award.