Victor Osimhen, Mohamed Salah, and Achraf Hakimi find themselves in contention for the prestigious CAF Player of the Year award, according to the announcement made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
However, the revelation of the final three nominees has ignited discontent and frustration among football enthusiasts across the continent. CAF unveiled the shortlist on Thursday, showcasing the trio of Osimhen, Salah, and Hakimi.
The announcement was made through CAF’s social media platforms, where they labeled the nominees as “the best of the best” for the Player of the Year (MEN) award. Despite this accolade, the selection has prompted widespread questioning of the criteria and fairness applied in compiling the list.
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Fans took to the comment section of CAF’s post to express their dissatisfaction, with some describing the nominations as a joke and a source of shame. Much of the criticism has centered around the absence of Morocco and Sevilla’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou.
Bounou, recognized for his outstanding performances for both club and country, particularly during Morocco’s impressive run to the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, is believed by many to have merited a place in the final three.
The comment section reflects a flood of memes, comments, and voices expressing discontent, alongside vocal support for Nigeria’s Osimhen, who is widely considered a frontrunner for the award. The reactions from fans underscore their collective questioning of the African football governing body’s decision-making process.