The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled its 10-man shortlist for the prestigious Men’s Player of the Year award, a list that has sparked significant debate across the continent due to the notable exclusion of Nigerian superstars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Despite the ceremony being scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on Monday, 7 December, the home fans will be forced to witness a celebration of African football excellence that features no representation from the Super Eagles’ premier attacking duo.

The shortlist, which highlights the continental powerhouses of the past year, includes Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr, and Pape Gueye representing Senegal; Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, and Ismaël Saibari from Morocco; Amad Diallo of the Ivory Coast; Yoane Wissa of the DR Congo; Antoine Semenyo of Ghana; and Teboho Mokoena of South Africa. The absence of Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, and Lookman, who has been a standout performer in European club football, has left analysts and supporters questioning the criteria utilized by the CAF technical committee.

The Discrepancy Between Performance and Recognition

The exclusion is particularly jarring when juxtaposed with the individual statistics accumulated by the two Nigerian forwards over the 2024 calendar year. Ademola Lookman, currently plying his trade at Atlético Madrid following a high-profile move, was a central figure in the Super Eagles’ campaign at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). His contribution of three goals and four assists in six appearances was not only pivotal in guiding Nigeria to the latter stages of the tournament but also earned him a deserved spot in the official CAF Team of the Tournament.

Similarly, Victor Osimhen’s impact remained profound. As Nigeria’s primary attacking outlet, he registered four goals and two assists during the tournament. Beyond the international stage, Osimhen’s club form has remained noteworthy; his recent transition to the Turkish Süper Lig with Galatasaray has been marked by a record-breaking scoring streak, including a critical brace that propelled him into the upper echelons of the club’s all-time league scoring charts.

The rationale behind the omission appears to be rooted in the CAF’s specific assessment framework, which prioritizes the consistency of performance across the entire calendar year rather than isolated tournament success. While both players were instrumental during the AFCON, their respective club seasons have been characterized by fluctuating fortunes and periods of transition, which may have weighed heavily against them in the eyes of the selectors.

Chronology of the Selection Process

The road to the 2024 CAF Awards has been a rigorous one, defined by a series of vetting stages designed to narrow down the pool of talent.

• Early 2024: The focus was heavily centered on the AFCON in Ivory Coast, where performances were meticulously tracked by CAF’s technical observers.
• Mid-2024: Following the conclusion of the tournament, scouting reports were integrated with league performances across Europe and Africa.
• October 2024: Preliminary shortlists were circulated among national team coaches and technical directors, who provided their initial input.
• November 4, 2024: The definitive 10-man shortlist was officially published, causing immediate public outcry in Nigeria regarding the absence of Osimhen and Lookman.
• December 7, 2024: The gala event is scheduled for Lagos, where the winner will be announced in a ceremony designed to showcase the best of African football.

Tactical Analysis and Tactical Snubs

From a tactical standpoint, the exclusion of the two forwards suggests that the selection committee may have favored players who maintained a higher level of domestic consistency throughout the duration of the year. While Osimhen and Lookman displayed moments of brilliance, both experienced periods of instability at the club level—Lookman’s adaptation to a new system in Madrid and Osimhen’s turbulent transfer window have been subjects of intense media scrutiny.

Diego Simeone, Lookman’s current manager at Atlético Madrid, recently addressed the winger’s form, emphasizing the need for patience as the player integrates into a highly demanding tactical environment. "The transition to a new league and a new culture is never immediate," Simeone remarked. "We believe in the quality that brought him to this level, and we are working to ensure that his contribution to the team matches his potential."

Despite this backing, the narrative surrounding the CAF shortlist suggests that "potential" and "past performance" carry less weight than the week-in, week-out output demanded by the committee. The heavy representation of Moroccan and Senegalese players—three each—suggests a preference for players who have enjoyed both domestic league success and relative stability within their national team structures.

Broader Implications for the Super Eagles

The exclusion of these two icons serves as a symbolic blow to Nigerian football, especially with the upcoming hosting duties in Lagos. The gala was expected to be a celebratory event for the nation, but the lack of domestic representation in the men’s category adds a layer of irony to the proceedings.

For the players, however, the focus remains entirely on the pitch. Both Osimhen and Lookman are currently preparing for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tanzania. A dominant performance in these fixtures would not only serve as a professional response to the snub but would also reiterate their status as elite talents who continue to be the heartbeat of the Super Eagles.

The broader implication for Nigerian football is a call for greater consistency. While individual accolades are subject to the subjective criteria of committees, the sustained dominance of the Super Eagles in continental competition remains the primary objective. The lack of representation on the award stage may serve as an unconventional catalyst for the team, as they look to assert their dominance in the forthcoming international windows.

Technical Criteria and Future Outlook

The CAF Awards selection committee traditionally consists of a panel of experts, including former players, technical directors, and sports journalists. Their criteria generally focus on:

1. Performance in International Competitions: Specifically, performance in AFCON or World Cup qualifiers.
2. Club Success: Trophies won, goals scored, and contribution to team success at the domestic and continental level.
3. Consistency: The ability to perform at a high level over the full 12-month period.
4. Professional Conduct: Disciplinary records and impact on the game beyond mere statistics.

The fact that the shortlist is heavily balanced toward players based in leagues that have shown consistent success suggests that the committee is placing a premium on systemic performance rather than individual flair. As the industry evolves, players like Osimhen and Lookman must navigate the dual pressures of maintaining high-profile status while ensuring their club careers provide the statistical foundation required to satisfy these stringent voting criteria.

Conclusion

As the football world prepares to descend upon Lagos for the December gala, the conversation will undoubtedly remain fixated on the names left off the list. While the omission of Osimhen and Lookman is a disappointment for Nigerian supporters, it provides a fascinating insight into the evolving standards of African football excellence.

The Super Eagles pair remains among the most talented individuals on the continent, and their exclusion from this specific list does not diminish their career trajectories. Instead, it highlights the competitive nature of the modern game, where the margins between being shortlisted and being omitted are razor-thin. Whether or not this serves as motivation for their upcoming qualifiers remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the eyes of the footballing world will remain fixed on their progress, regardless of the awards hardware on display in Lagos.