Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen is among the three finalists for the CAF Player of the Year award.
The Galatasaray man, the winner of the award in 2023, will battle it out with Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool) and Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain) for Africa’s most-coveted individual prize.
Osimhen was part of the list released on Sunday evening by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the award last won by Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman.
In the women’s version, Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade was also part of the shortlist for the prize.
She will contend with Morocco’s duo of Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy.
READ ALSO: Ajibade Listed, Okoronkwo Missing In Final Shortlist For CAF Women’s Best Player
Men’s category: CAF Award
Below are the shortlists for the men’s categories in the 2025 CAF Awards.
Player of the Year
Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool) Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain) Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray)
Goalkeeper of the Year
Munir Mohamedi (Morocco/RS Berkane) Yassine Bonou (Morocco/Al Hilal) Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns)
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)’s Rasheedat Ajibade has made the final shortlist for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year. Still, compatriot Esther Okoronkwo was surprisingly missing from the three footballers named in the last three.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the final list of players for the prize on Sunday evening.
Okoronkwo of the AFC Toronto was on the initial 10-person shortlist announced earlier.
However, she was omitted from the final shortlist, with the Moroccan duo of Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy completing the last trio for the award.
() – #CAFAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/AHtzjLwwVL
Okoronkwo was part of Nigeria’s team that won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) earlier in the year. She was Player of the Match in the Super Falcons’ historic comeback against Morocco in the final.
PSG’s Ajibade clinched the Player of the Competition after an impressive outing, which saw her voted as the woman of the match on three occasions during Nigeria’s six-game run to their 10th WAFCON.
() – #CAFAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/vBXJ82ibqQ
Meanwhile, Chiamaka Nnadozie is on course for a hat-trick in the Goalkeeper of the Year prize. The Brighton footballer is on the final shortlist for the category.
The 24-year-old has claimed the award twice in a row and is gunning for her third laurel as Africa’s best shotstopper.
Her compatriot, Moshood Shakirat, was also on the final list for the Best Young Player prize for women.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will also be aiming to win the national team of the year after an impressive year that saw them win a record-extending WAFCON.
Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, has named his starting lineup for the game against DR Congo in the final of the 2026 World Cup play-offs, dropping striker, Akor Adams, to the bench.
Akor, who plays for Sevilla, scored the first goal in Nigeria’s victory over the Panthers of Gabon on Thursday, a match the Super Eagles won 4-1.
However, defender Semi Ajayi, who did not play in the semi-final match against Gabon, is back in the starting team, while Frank Onyeka is also part of the first 11.
Ajayi was sidelined for the previous match following an accumulation of yellow cards. He will partner with Fulham’s Calvin Bassey in the heart of Nigeria’s defence.
READ ALSO: [Preview] Nigeria, DR Congo Face-Off In 2026 World Cup Play-Offs Final
Zaidu Sanusi will man the left flank of the Super Eagles’ defence, while fast-rising star Benjamin Frederick takes the right back position.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi of Fulham will pull the strings. The former Arsenal man is supported by Wilfred Ndidi and Onyeka (who came in from the bench in the last game).
As expected, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen spearheads Nigeria’s attack. Reigning African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze will run the flanks.
READ ALSO: Ndidi Eligible To Face DR Congo On Sunday, CAF Confirms
TEAM NEWS ️
Two changes from our win over Gabon. Iwobi pulls the strings in midfield. Osimhen leads the line.#SoarSuperEagles #NGADRC #FIFAWCQ2026 pic.twitter.com/jFdJRgUHPj
The match between Nigeria and DR Congo is a fight for a place in the intercontinental play-offs.
It is a winner-take-all game with the victor going on to represent Africa in the play-offs next March.
Portugal crushed Armenia 9-1 despite the absence of suspended talisman Cristiano Ronaldo on Sunday to clinch qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals.
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Paris Saint-Germain’s Joao Neves both scored a hat-trick as Roberto Martinez’s side racked up a huge win in Porto to top Group F.
Renato Veiga got the ball rolling for Portugal, with Goncalo Ramos and Francisco Conceicao also on the scoresheet.
After a draw in Hungary in October and a surprise defeat in Ireland on Thursday, in which Ronaldo was sent off, Portugal wrapped up qualification at the third attempt in their final group match.
They will compete in a seventh consecutive edition of the World Cup, a tournament which the Euro 2016 champions are yet to win.
“We always want to win in the same way — to be convincing and control the game. It’s not always possible, but today we were effective and achieved a good victory,” said Fernandes.
With midfielder Fernandes playing a key role throughout, Portugal made a quick start by scoring in the seventh minute.
Fernandes’s vicious inswinging free-kick from just outside the left side of the box was pushed onto the post by goalkeeper Henri Avagyan, but Veiga was on hand to head home the rebound.
The visitors shocked the hosts by scoring on their first attack to equalise, with Grant-Leon Ranos crossing for Armenia captain Eduard Spertsyan to strike.
However, Portugal quickly stepped up a gear and racked up an unassailable lead. Paris Saint-Germain striker Ramos intercepted a back pass and squeezed home his country’s second after rounding Avagyan.
Portugal put together a tidy move for their third, with Neves blasting home from the edge of the box after being teed up by Fernandes.
Neves netted a spectacular second with a free-kick which flew into the top right corner, leaving Avagyan with no chance.
Fernandes netted the fifth in first-half stoppage time with a low penalty after Ruben Dias was fouled.
READ ALSO: Ndidi Eligible To Face DR Congo On Sunday, CAF Confirms
Portugal’s forward #09 Goncalo Ramos (C) celebrates his team’s second goal during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group F football match between Portugal and Armenia, at Dragao stadium in Porto on November 16, 2025. (Photo by Miguel RIOPA / AFP)
‘Now we can truly dream’
The Manchester United midfielder continued where he left off after the break, slotting home his second after being fed by Ramos.
Fernandes completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after debutant substitute Carlos Forbs was felled.
Neves followed suit for Portugal’s eighth goal, smashing home after Veiga headed Fernandes’s cross into his path.
Juventus forward Conceicao added the ninth in stoppage time to seal one of his country’s biggest-ever victories.
“Now we can truly dream about the World Cup, I was very pleased with the players’ response (after the Ireland defeat),” said Martinez.
“We’re at the World Cup! Let’s go, Portugal!” wrote Ronaldo on social media platform X.
The striker could miss the start of the tournament depending on whether FIFA extend his suspension beyond the mandatory one-match ban he served against Armenia.
Ireland stunned Hungary with a late winner to triumph 3-2 in the other Group F match and reach the play-offs, with Troy Parrott following up his midweek brace against Portugal with a hat-trick.
Hello and welcome! Thanks for joining us as Nigeria take on DR Congo in the CAF playoff final for a spot in the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 World Cup.
The stakes are high as the winner of this African playoff will advance to the six-nation intercontinental tournament in Mexico in March, a competition that will feature teams from every football region except Europe.
The loser of Sunday’s match, meanwhile, will exit the race for a World Cup that will see a record 48 nations compete across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Both Nigeria and DR Congo earned this second chance after finishing as the best runners-up in their respective African qualifying groups, giving them one last shot at glory.
In the semi-final, the Super Eagles defeated Gabon 4-1 while the Leopards of DR Congo pip Cameroon by a lone goal.
Matchday in Moulay El Hassan! ️
Nigeria and DR Congo in the African #WCQ Play-Offs Final tonight. Ready? pic.twitter.com/YYZvXX8L8L
The Super Eagles, led by Galatasaray superstar Victor Osimhen, are determined not to repeat the heartbreak of missing out on Qatar 2022 after a playoff loss to Ghana.
Nigeria have never missed consecutive World Cups since their debut in 1994 and are eager to reclaim their spot on football’s biggest stage.
DR Congo, on the other hand, have far fewer appearances to their name. The only time they played at a World Cup was in 1974, back when the nation was known as Zaire, making this clash a historic opportunity for the Central Africans.
Please refresh this page for timely updates about the Nigeria vs DR Congo play-offs semi-final.
Half-Time
HT | Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
It’s level at the break! The boys have shown plenty of fight in the first half, and it’s all to play for in the second half.
Let’s keep the pressure up!#NGADRC #SoarSuperEagles #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/eEbxx7nzmQ
Frank Onyeka’s goal in the third minute is cancelled out by Meschak Elia, leaving the score tied at halftime.
Freekick To DR Congo
45mins: Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Osimhen is back there helping out and makes the clearance.
Freekick To Nigeria
44 mins: Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Lookman takes, but his delivery is poor.
Bassey Comes Close To Restoring Nigeria’s Lead
38 mins: Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Bassey almost gets something on a corner, but DR Congo manage to scramble the ball clear.
GOAL! DR Congo Equalise
32 mins: Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Iwobi is caught in possession, and DR Congo pounce as Bakambu puts the ball on a plate for Meschak Elia, who taps home from close range.
DR Congo Still In It
29 mins: Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
DR Congo might be trailing, but their fans’ spirits are still quite high. They’re making noise with drums and trumpets, cheering on their men in blue.
Nigeria Waste A Golden Opportunity
24 mins: Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
Nigeria stride forward, looking dangerous, as Lookman sprints up the left wing.
He squares the ball to the centre of the box, but it’s poor, as neither Osimhen nor Ndidi can send it home.
Nigeria On The Ascendancy
20 mins: Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
Super Eagles have been the better side, controlling the tempo and dictating play
DR Congo Showing Attacking Intent
16 mins: Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
First signs of attacking intent from DR Congo, as Elia receives the ball on the right and tries to sprint forward, but takes a tumble after a foul from a Nigerian defender.
Mukau Nearly Restores Parity For DR Congo
12 mins: Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
Nigerian goalkeeper Nwabali was left in no man’s land as he attempted to parry away the ball following the corner kick, but Mukau but sends it over the crossbar!
Ndidi Tries To Double Nigeria’s Lead
8 min: Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
Nigeria look to double their lead, but Ndidi puts his effort from just outside the area well wide. Decent opportunity that
GOAL!Onyeka Gives Nigeria The Lead
3 mins: Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
Frank Onyeka fires Nigeria into the lead after 3 minutes
Zaidu’s cross is deflected by a DR Congo defender, and Onyeka lashes a shot into the bottom corner.
Kickoff
Nigeria 0-0 DR Congo
DR Congo begin hostilities
Anthems All Done
Nigeria 0-0 DR Congo
The anthems of both participating teams have been sung. Players are exchanging handshakes before they pose for quick pre-match photos.
DR Congo Team News
MATCHDAY | Nigeria RD Congo
Stade Prince Héritier Moulay Hassan (Rabat, Maroc) Coup d’envoi : 20h (heure de Kinshasa) Finale – Barrage Coupe du Monde 2026 (Zone Afrique)
Le XI de départ des Léopards : Mpasi (GK) – Mbemba (C) – Tuanzebe – Masuaku –… pic.twitter.com/b1Ktuu8la7
Nigeria Team News
TEAM NEWS ️
Two changes from our win over Gabon. Iwobi pulls the strings in midfield. Osimhen leads the line.#SoarSuperEagles #NGADRC #FIFAWCQ2026 pic.twitter.com/jFdJRgUHPj
We have arrived…..Team News ⏭️ pic.twitter.com/EVDJ3DV5eG
We Are Going To Give Our All
DR Congo Head coach, Sebastien Desabre
French coach Sebastien Desabre has transformed the always talented but often erratic Congolese into a combative outfit captained by outstanding centre-back Mbemba from Ligue 1 club Lille.
“We have experienced players. What we are putting in place has not happened overnight. We are going to give our all against Nigeria,” promised Desabre.
Victory Over Gabon Means Nothing
Eric Chelle
Nigeria are 19 places above DR Congo in the world rankings and favourites to win the clash of the Super Eagles and the Leopards, but Ivory Coast-born coach Eric Chelle is cautious.
“The victory over Gabon means nothing. We now face formidable opponents in DR Congo and, assuming we win, there will be time to celebrate.
“We are trying to create an identity. My players understand what I want and are improving mentally and technically with each international window.
“The key to success over Gabon was passion. It was about working together. We have to rediscover that passion against the Congolese,” added the 48-year-old former Mali coach.
Ndidi Boost For Nigeria
Wilfred Ndidi. Photo credit: NFF
Nigeria has received a major boost with Wilfred Ndidi confirmed available for selection.
The ex-Leicester City midfielder had seemed at risk of suspension after receiving a yellow card in Thursday’s semi-final victory over Gabon—his second in the qualification stage.
However, it was clarified on Saturday that yellow cards accumulated during World Cup qualifiers do not carry over into the play-offs, meaning Ndidi is cleared to feature.
Head To Head
Encounters between these two countries are relatively uncommon, with DR Congo holding the upper hand overall.
Nigeria ‘Wants To Be At The World Cup’
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong shares his thoughts ahead of Nigeria’s crucial FIFA World Cup playoff clash against DR Congo in Rabat on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/Nw3tPqgDoA
William Troost Ekong believes the team is focused on the task ahead: “We’re not trying to prove anything to anyone, we want to prove it to ourselves, and we want to be at the World Cup ourselves.”
Reflecting on the team’s progress, Ekong added, “Every game, the boys are getting more comfortable with that pressure.”
Rory McIlroy was on Sunday crowned the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai champion for a seventh year and four seasons in a row, but the world No.2 lost the $10 million Tour Championship to England’s Matt Fitzpatrick in the first playoff hole when he found the water with his tee shot.
At the Earth course of Jumeirah Golf Estates on Sunday, Fitzpatrick (66) made a birdie on the 72nd hole of regulation play to set the mark at 18-under par.
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy poses with his wife Erica Stoll and their daughter as he celebrates with his trophy at the end the 2025 DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai on November 16, 2025. (Photo by Fadel SENNA / AFP)
READ ALSO: McIlroy Completes Career Grand Slam With Emotional Masters Playoff Win
A few minutes later, McIlroy sensationally eagled the same hole after a brilliant second shot to 16 feet.
Four players – England’s Tommy Fleetwood (67) and Laurie Canter (67), Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg (66) and Denmark’s Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen (68) – were tied third at 17-under par total.
England’s Matt Fitzpatrick (L) and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy celebrate at the end the 2025 DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai on November 16, 2025. (Photo by Fadel SENNA / AFP)
McIlroy moved past the legendary Spaniard Seve Ballesteros and is now one closer to Colin Montgomerie’s all-time record of eight Order of Merit titles.
It is Fitzpatrick’s third DP World Tour Championship title (2016 and 2020) and a 10th DP World Tour victory in 195 starts. The win is projected to lift him to No. 24 on the Official World Golf Ranking.
