Morocco beat Nigeria to two topmost CAF awards |

Morocco has beaten Nigeria to the two topmost awards of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for 2025: CAF Women’s Player of the Year and CAF Men’s Player of the Year.

At the awards in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, Nigeria took home two awards that were not considered as prestigious as the two.

Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi was named the 2025 African Footballer of the Year by CAF on Wednesday after an exceptional season for both club and country.

The Paris Saint-Germain right-back claimed the award for the first time, selected by a panel of experts and leading African football journalists.

Hakimi entered the ceremony as the overwhelming favourite following a historic campaign with PSG, helping the club secure four major titles: Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions.

He also placed sixth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings.

A key figure throughout the season, Hakimi played over 3,400 minutes across all competitions, contributing six goals and four assists in Ligue 1, and five goals with four assists in the Champions League, while helping PSG keep 10 clean sheets.

His performances earned him spots in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season, Ligue 1 Team of the Season, and CAF Team of the Year.

The 27-year-old beat Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to the prestigious honour, cementing his status as one of Africa’s top football talents.

It was a big night for the hosts as Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak was named the CAF Women’s Player of the Year for 2025, capping a stellar year for the 35-year-old forward.

Chebbak claimed the honour ahead of Nigeria’s Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and fellow Moroccan Sanna Mssoudy.

She shone during the WAFCON tournament, winning the Golden Boot with five goals and earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament.

Her consistent performances also secured her inclusion in the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11.

Ajibade, who captained the Super Falcons to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, was named Player of the Tournament.

She featured in the Team of the Year and made a high-profile move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Super Falcons Goalie, Chiamaka Nnadozie, was voted the best keeper of the year under review, just as Nigeria won the best national women’s team award, courtesy of the Super Falcons.

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