Osimhen, Salah, Hakimi Top CAF Player Of The Year Nominee List

Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles’ striker, has been chosen as one of the top contenders for the CAF Player of the Year award.

Mohamed Salah, the star forward for Egypt and Liverpool, and Achraf Hakimi, the defender for Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco, are also in the running.

Francine Anguissa, the Cameroon’s midfielder, Fiston Mayele, Fiston Mayele, Denis Bouanga, Serhou Guirassy, Oussama Lamlioui, Morocco, and the Senegalese duo Iliman Ndiaye and Pape Matar Sarr are other contenders.

On Thursday, the 2025 CAF Awards – Men’s Categories Committee announced the nominees.

READ MORE: Ajibade and Okoronkwo Nominated for CAF Women’s Player of the Year.

The award recognizes the continent’s top players, coaches, clubs, and national teams.

For the time being considered, 6 January to 15 October 2025, players and coaches have had a significant impact on the African and global game, according to a statement from CAF.

A panel of experts, which included CAF Technical &amp, Development Committee members, experienced coaches, CAF Legends, and selected media representatives, chose 10 nominees for each category based on their performance in all competitions, added the continent’s football governing body.

Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s top safe hands, was also nominated for the award for “goalkeeper of the year.”

For the top price, he will have Morocco’s Yassine Bonou, South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, Cameroon’s André Onana, and Senegalese Edouard Mendy to contend with.

Other honors include club of the year, interclub player of the year, coach of the year, young player of the year, national team of the year, and club of the year.

 , see full list below.

MAN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Nominees:

  • Andre Frank Zambo-Anguissa (Cameroon/Napoli)
  • Fiston Mayele (DR Congo/Pyramids)
  • Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/Egypt)
  • Denis Bouanga (Gabon/Los Angeles FC)
  • Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund/Guinea)
  • Moroccan/Paris Saint-Germain Achraf Hakimi
  • Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco/RS Berkane)
  • Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray/Nigeria)
  • Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal/Everton)
  • Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur/Senegal)


MAN’S GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR

Nominees:

  • Andre Onana (Cameroon/Trabzonspor), btw,
  • Vozinha (Cape Verde/Chaves)
  • Ahmed El Shenawy (Pyramids/Egypt)
  • Munir Mohamedi (RS Berkane/Morocco)
  • Yassine Bonou (Morocco/Al Hilal)
  • Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United/Nigeria)
  • Algerian Ambassador Edouard Mendy
  • Marc Diouf (Tengueth/Senegal)
  • Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns)
  • Aymen Dahmen (CS Sfaxien/Tunisia)


MAN’S INTERCLUB PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Nominees:

    Ismael Belkacemi (Al Ahli Tripoli/Algeria)

  • Blati Toure (Pyramids FC/Burkinabe)
  • Issoufou Dayo (RS Berkane/Burkinabe)
  • Fiston Mayele (DR Congo/Pyramids)
  • Ahmed Samy (Pyramids/Egypt)
  • Emam Ashour (Al Ahly/Egypt)
  • Ibrahim Adel (Pyramids/Egypt)
  • Mohamed Hrimat (Morocco/AS FAR)
  • Mohamed Chibi (Pyramids/Morocco)
  • Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco/RS Berkane)
  • Shomari Kapombe (Simba/Tanzania)


MAN’S COACH OF THE YEAR

Nominees:

  • Bubista (Cape Verde)
  • Egyptian Hossam Hassan
  • Pyramids’ Krunoslav Jurcic
  • Sami Trabelsi (Tunisia)
  • Romuald Rakotondrabe (Madagascar CHAN)
  • Moine Chaabani (RS Berkane)
  • Moroccan CHAN Tarik Sektioui
  • Mohamed Ouahbi ( Morocco U-20)
  • Moroccan Walid Regragui
  • Pape Thiaw (Senegal)

MEN’S YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Nominees:

  • Asharaf Tapsoba (Real du Faso/Burkinabe)
  • Alynho Haidara (Cote d’Ivoire/Mainz 05 Jacqueville)
  • (DR Congo/Sunderland) Noah Sadiki
  • Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco/Ajax)
  • Houssam Essadak (Morocco/US Touarga)
  • Othmane Maamma (Morocco/Watford)
  • Daniel Bameyi (Primorje/Nigeria)
  • Momoh Kamara (Minnesota United/Sierra Leone)
  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi (South Africa/Orlando Pirates)
  • Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers/South Africa)

MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR

Nominees:

  • Algeria 
  • Cape Verde
  • Cote d’Ivoire
  • Egypt
  • Ghana
  • Morocco U-20
  • Morocco
  • Senegal
  • South Africa
  • Tunisia

MEN’S CLUB OF THE YEAR

Nominees:

  • CR Belouizdad (Algeria)
  • CS Constantine (Algeria)
  • ASEC Mimosas (Cote d’Ivoire)
  • Egyptian pyramids
  • Moroccan RS Berkane
  • South African Mamelodi Sundowns
  • South African Pirates of Orlando
  • South Africa’s Stellenbosch
  • Al Hilal (Sudan)
  • Simba (Tanzania)

NYC working-class Muslims see progress in Mamdani, but policies win votes

You frequently hear the phrase “Mamdani, Mamdani, Mamdani” in the Morrisania neighborhood of New York City.

Morrisania, one of many areas where race and the needs of the working class converge in anticipation of New York’s November 4 mayoral election, is home to a rapidly expanding West African community with many new-immigrant Muslims.

Many people in this area rely on Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old candidate, to win.

After all, Mamdani’s victory over former governor Andrew Cuomo would set off a string of landmark victories for New York City: it had the first Muslim mayor, had the first African-born mayor, and had the first South Asian mayor to lead the largest city in the country.

The diversity of Muslim communities interwoven into the fabric of the city has sparked hope and grim reminders of ingrained Islamophobia and xenophobia.

But Aicha Donza, a shop owner in Morrisania, the Bronx, where annual incomes are half the city’s average, is supported by the avowed Democratic Socialist’s message of affordability: ambitious pledges for free buses, rent freezes on some buildings, and universal childcare, all of which are funded in part by raising taxes on the wealthy.

In addition to the items in her store, Donza compared the items to be imported from Ghana, Liberian palm oil from where she was born, and traditional Islamic clothing from Turkiye, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

People visit the store every day because the rent is so high, she said, and they complain that the prices are too high. If he can manage free buses, that would make a big difference.

[Joseph Stepansky/Al Jazeera] Essa Tunkala is seen a few meters away from the Bronx’s Islamic Cultural Center.

Essa Tunkala, 60, a resident of the nearby Islamic Cultural Center of the Bronx, speculated about what the election might mean for the neighborhood, a melting pot of both West African diaspora workers and parking attendants.

Residents of Senegal, Liberia, Ghana, Togo, and Mali were listed among the many, with “It almost seems like you’re in West Africa,” Tunkala grinned.

How will Mamdani’s vision be realized, he asked, posing a number of serious questions that still hang over his run. Will he be able to form the kind of coalition with state officials and lawmakers that the mayoral position has the resources to fulfill his marquee pledges?

Tunkala, who sells sporting goods from a table on the street, said, “But we need fresh ideas to create opportunities.” I support him because we are a new generation with fresh ideas for development.

The 55-year-old Sierra Leonean cab driver, Ahmed Jejote, echoed the sentiment.

He made reference to the current city mayor, who was plagued by corruption and who announced his exit from the race in September. “We’ve experienced Eric Adams,” he said. “We’ve seen Cuomo”.

He stated, “Mamdani is just beginning to move forward.” For me, religion is not really what matters.

Mariam Saleh
[Joseph Stepansky/Al Jazeera English] Mariam Saleh can be seen at Kumasi Restaurant in the Bronx.

Mariam Saleh, 46, sat over steaming trays of food at Kumasi Restaurant: banku, a fermented blend of maize and cassava, suya, a spiced meat skewer, and kwenkwen, a type of jollof rice.

Concerning Mamdani’s run’s historical significance, she was less circumspect.

The 46-year-old, who is a native of Ghana, told Al Jazeera, “It is a huge step forward for us that he is Muslim.”

Super-soft throw slashed from £70 to £19 is ‘like sleeping on a marshmallow’

‘ Lovely and warm ‘ throw is perfect for snuggling up on the sofa or adding an extra layer of warmth to your bed – and it’s currently on sale for less than £20

As the weather continues to drop, there’s nothing more inviting than curling up on the settee, wrapped in something warm and snug. Blankets are a must-have when the weather turns chilly, and shoppers reckon they’ve discovered the ‘ ultimate ‘ ultra-soft blanket.

A cosy, seasonal throw is just the ticket for adding an extra layer of warmth and comfort without cranking up the heating. So, if your lounge is in need of a fresh touch this season, Yimbly (owned by Mirror’s parent company, Reach Plc) has got you covered.

The Deyongs Secret Garden Green Blanket usually retails at £70, but bargain hunters can snap it up for £20.95. By applying the discount code AUTUMN10 at checkout, customers can bag an additional 10% off, slashing the total to a mere £18.86.

This sage green throw boasts a Sherpa lining and trim, and its woodland-themed design features delicate butterflies, leaves and plants. Measuring 180cm in height and 140cm in width, it’s ample enough to comfortably drape across a double bed.

Crafted from high-quality fabric that looks far pricier than its bargain price tag, it also comes in a variety of other colours and designs. Shoppers can opt for the Fox and Deer design available in green, mulberry and blue, or the striking peacock design in a rich navy, reports the Manchester Evening News.

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For those who fancy a faux fur throw, Wayfair is selling a Wolf Faux Soft Fur designed by interior expert Catherine Lansfield for £28.93. This textured blanket boasts a smooth, fleece reverse, according to Gloucestershire Live.

Next, on the other hand, has medium and large sizes priced between £55 and £95 for a Brown Abstract Cow Print Faux Fur Throw. Soft faux fur is used to make this large throw, which has a trendy animal print design.

One Yimbly customer wrote in response to the Deyongs fleece throw, “The fleece is lovely and warm, like sleeping with a marshmallow.”

I just adore this blanket, a second customer said. It has exactly what I wanted, and it has a lovely color and design.

Continue reading the article.

However, one reviewer praised the throw as being “very nice,” but also criticized the delivery issues, saying: “Shame I ordered three, paid for three, and only received one and nobody seems to be sorting it out.”

Celebrity Traitors’ Joe Marler opens up on dark time he ‘racially abused’ player

Joe Marley, a former England international rugby player, is currently starring in the BBC’s star-studded spin-off of the Traitors.

Celebrity Traitor star Joe Marler has candidly discussed his struggle with depression and the shame he felt after ‘racially abusing’ a fellow player.

The ex-England rugby player, who is currently gracing our screens in the BBC’s star-studded spin-off of The Traitors, boasts an impressive career on the pitch with nearly 300 appearances for Harlequins under his belt.

However, he was dealing with mental health issues that caused violent confrontations on the field before hanging up his boots in 2024, which later had an impact on his family life.

Joe went through his darkest days while hosting the High Performance podcast with host Jake Humphrey, revealing: “I was always described as quite bipolar.”

He went on to say: “I had gone through quite a couple different on field incidents and there was one in particular against England v Wales, where I ended up racially abusing a Welsh player from traveller descent.”, reports Wales Online.

The sportsman confessed: “I didn’t know where to turn, what I’d done and I was like I need to get out of this. I just need to withdraw completely and I pulled out of the England tour to Australia that year.

Fast forward nine months and I’m starting to experience similar emotions without these incidents, first with punching people on the pitch or verbally abusing others.

When his wife Daisy was left torn on the floor and pleaded with him to get professional help, Joe described a heartbreaking moment in his personal life.

The couple, who have four children, Pixie, Maggie, Felix, and Jasper, are proud parents of four.

Joe shared a heart-wrenching revelation, “Then it started settling into my home.” Then I lost control. I’m turning the house over because Daisy is seven months pregnant at the time.

He continued, “I just left, I left her, I’m gone,” punching the walls, opening the doors, shouting, and screaming.

The sportsman said, “That image of her lying on the floor crying her eyes out seven months pregnant, like that’s burned into my memory of my most embarrassed I’ve been,” in a clearly emotional way.

Continue reading the article.

“That was like a crescendo of what had been building, of how I’ve been feeling, and then a content thought of not wanting to be here any more.”

He came to the conclusion that, “I was at a very low point in my life; I had hit rock bottom, and then I sought help. I then began receiving therapy and medication, and I began to realize what I had around my beautiful wife and my children.”

Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden backs new breast health app to help save lives

A woman who used her own devastating cancer diagnosis to help others has now had the backing of Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden – as she makes a postive impact on other’s lives

A woman who was diagnosed with stage 3 breast chemotherapy has developed a life-changing app for women to check their bodies, with the backing of Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden MBE.

When Gemma Ainger received the devastating diagnosis, she put her energy into creating something that could make a real difference, and positively impact people’s lives – all while going through surgery, radiotherapy, and in remission.

The marketing professional from Gurnsey was diagnosed with breast cancer at 42 after she noticed something unusual in the shower, although she rarely checked herself, feeling healthy and had no family history.

Now her new app, called My Breast Friend, has launched with a mission to help people check in with their bodies – quite literally.

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Gemma’s cancer was quite advanced, and because she wasn’t checking regularly, she didn’t find it at an earlier stage. This was the inspiration for her app, as if she had caught it sooner, her treatment could have been easier and her outcome more positive.

Her cancer was sitting there waiting to be found, but because she wasn’t checking often, she didn’t spot it. So she wanted others to have that chance and built My Breast Friend, designed to make monthly self-checks quick, easy, and completely normal, creating positive reinforcement around breast health, and embed a really important routine.

As a fellow breast cancer survivor, Amy knows the importance of early detection of breast cancer and has since been using her public platform to promote this message.

“When Gemma told me about her plans for My Breast Friend it was exactly what I had been looking for – something simple and positive people can do to remind them to check monthly, know their bodies, and act early,” Amy said.

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“I immediately wanted to collaborate with her to make the app the best it can be and reach as many people as possible. I know how vital it is that breast cancer is detected early and if you’re not checking your chest then who is? It doesn’t matter how old you are, there’s no reason not to download this app, it could literally save your life.”

The app was built by Gemma with medical input from leading breast specialists, legal guidance from Appleby Global Law Firm, and the technical expertise of digital agency, Indulge Media, ensuring that it’s medically responsible, empowering and safe to use.

“It’s not about fear or cancer,” Gemma said. “It’s about self-care, awareness and confidence. We should all know what’s normal for our own bodies and we should all be proactively looking after ourselves – it’s one of the simplest ways we can protect our health.”

Gemma said she’s “so excited” for Amy to join her in the launch of her app, and said her breast cancer journey has been similar to the stars. “Through first-hand experience coupled with so much enthusiasm and drive for breast health awareness, I truly believe that together, we can make a huge difference. We’re on a mission to make self-checks normal by turning the My Breast Friend reminders into a lifelong routine!”

My Breast Friend is a free app that sends a monthly reminder to perform a self-check and lets users log any changes quickly and privately. The tone is warm, positive and stigma-free – because checking your boobs, chest or pecs shouldn’t feel scary or clinical.

It comes as one in seven women are likely to develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and nearly half of women in the UK admit they don’t check regularly, so My Breast Friend aims to make self-exams as routine as brushing your teeth.

“Not all breast cancer can be spotted from a self-exam but wouldn’t you prefer to be in a position to know your normal and act fast? I see this as a superpower that we should all have,” Gemma added. “Starting in our twenties, if more people get into the habit of checking through their lifetime, we can catch more cases early, resulting in better, more positive outcomes”.

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My Breast Friend is free to download now on the App Store and Google Play.