Why Osimhen and Others Were Snubbed by CAF: Ex-NFA Chairman Kojo Williams Speaks
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| Victor Osimhen (Nigerian Footballer) |
Former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) chairman Kojo Williams has linked the absence of Nigerian footballers from this year's men's and women's African Player of the Year shortlists to the country's disappointing results over the past twelve months.
Williams insisted that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) should not be blamed for the omissions, arguing that Nigeria's recent achievements did not warrant inclusion.
The Super Eagles had a difficult spell, failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup before finishing third at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Falcons also fell short, missing out on qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup and failing to place in the top three at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
CAF recently released a 10-man shortlist for the Men's African Player of the Year award, featuring some of the continent's leading performers, among them Yoane Wissa, Ismael Saibari, Achraf Hakimi, Ismaïla Sarr and Amad Diallo.
Responding to Nigeria's absence, Williams said the outcome was hardly a surprise and pointed to the national teams' results as the main reason for the snub.
"It wouldn't be fair for me to say I'm surprised. It all comes down to our performances and what we've achieved over the past year," he said on ThePlayzone podcast.
"So, if we're not doing the right things, of course they won't select us. Did we qualify for the World Cup? We didn't win the AFCON. You can't fault that."
Among the biggest talking points of the shortlist was the exclusion of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.
The Galatasaray forward enjoyed a strong campaign, scoring four goals at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and playing a key role in his club's successful defence of the Turkish Super Lig title.
Williams, however, suggested that factors beyond individual form can sometimes influence the selection of the African Player of the Year.
"You know, sometimes politics comes into it. Victor did well in Europe, but there were other players from teams such as PSG, and perhaps the league he plays in also matters," he said.
"Yes, he won African Footballer of the Year while playing for Napoli. He's a great player."
Williams nonetheless acknowledged Osimhen's quality, while maintaining that the wider circumstances surrounding the nominations should be taken into account when assessing Nigeria's absence.
