The Digest:
An analysis of the 2025 CAF Awards voting pattern reveals that several Nigerian officials and media voters consistently placed the nation's top stars, including Victor Osimhen and Chiamaka Nnadozie, behind foreign rivals in their ballots. This revelation explores the uncomfortable tension between individual judgment and national interest, forcing a public reckoning on what it means to be a representative in moments of collective honor.
Key Points:
- Nigerian legend Daniel Amokachi (CAF Technical Expert) ranked Victor Osimhen 5th for Footballer of the Year, awarding him just one point.
- Despite Osimhen winning a domestic double and individual awards, he finished a distant third behind the winner, Achraf Hakimi.
- Media voter Samuel Ahmadu placed goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie 5th, despite her winning the award for a third straight year.
- In the Women's National Team category, Ahmadu was the only voter to rank Nigeria 5th, nearly costing the WAFCON champions the award.
- Media representative Oluwashina Okeleji omitted Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi from his Young Player top five entirely.
- The voting patterns have sparked a national debate on loyalty and representation in African football.
- In contrast, the Super Eagles coach and captain both voted Osimhen first in their respective ballots.
Sources: Soccernet, ScoreNigeria
