Achraf Hakimi, Victor Osimhen, and Mohamed Salah nominated for prestigious African player award

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed on Sunday that Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi, Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, and Egyptian star Mohamed Salah made the final list for the 2025 African mens player of the year honour.

Hakimi, who is presently sidelined by injury, played a key role in Paris Saint-Germains inaugural UEFA Champions League triumph and came second to Chelsea in the expanded Club World Cup final.

Assuming he recovers in time, the 27 year old is set to captain Morocco as hosts of the Africa Cup of Nations starting December 21, with the team aiming for their first title since 1976.

Salah, a two time recipient of the African accolade, has faced recent challenges following his exceptional performance that propelled Liverpool to a record tying 20th Premier League victory last term.

The 33 year old secured the 2024-25 Premier League Golden Boot with 29 strikes, outscoring Alexander Isak by six, after the latter transferred from Newcastle United to Liverpool.

Osimhen has shone brightly for Turkish champions Galatasaray and Nigeria of late, though certain feats fall outside the judging cutoff of October 15.

This excludes his Champions League treble against Ajax in Amsterdam and his brace in Nigerias 2026 World Cup qualifier win against Gabon last Thursday.

The yearly gala for African mens and womens awards is scheduled for Wednesdays event in Rabat, the Moroccan capital.

Selections came from CAF technical and development committee experts, national team coaches, ex players, and chosen journalists.