Victor Osimhen will miss this year’s CAF Awards ceremony in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday as he returns to Galatasaray to undergo a scheduled MRI scan on a hamstring injury sustained while on international duty with Nigeria.
The 27-year-old striker, who previously won the CAF African Player of the Year award in 2023, is nominated for the honor for a second time. This year, he faces competition from Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi of PSG.
Osimhen suffered the injury during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup African playoff final against DR Congo on Sunday. He was substituted at halftime to prevent further aggravation of the hamstring problem.
Despite the setback, the striker had an impressive tournament, including an extra-time brace against Gabon in the semi-final, bringing his all-time goal tally for Nigeria to 31.
Osimhen had previously returned to the CAF Awards podium after his 2023 win and was succeeded in the honor by his compatriot, Ademola Lookman.
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