Victor Osimhen will miss the 2026 CAF Awards in Morocco due to a hamstring injury, returning to Galatasaray for a scan after Nigeria duty

Victor Osimhen will be absent from this year’s CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco, as he returns to Galatasaray for a scheduled MRI scan on a hamstring injury sustained during international duty for Nigeria.

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The striker, who won the CAF Player of the Year award in 2023, is in contention for the accolade for the second time.

This year, he faces competition from Egypt’s Mohammed Salah of Liverpool and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi of PSG.

Osimhen sustained the injury during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup African play-offs.

He was substituted at halftime in Sunday’s final against DR Congo to prevent further aggravation.

In the semi-final against Gabon, the 27-year-old had scored an extra-time brace, bringing his total tally for Nigeria to 31 goals.

The MRI scan at Galatasaray will determine the severity of the injury and inform his recovery timeline.

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Despite his absence, Osimhen remains a major contender, returning to the CAF Awards podium after his 2023 triumph. He was succeeded by his compatriot Ademola Lookman in last year’s ceremony.