Nigeria has cemented its dominance in African football, officially becoming the country with the most CAF Player of the Year awards (7) since the accolade’s inception in 1992. Nigerian players’ exceptional talent and influence on the pitch have consistently brought glory to the nation.
Nigeria’s CAF Player of the Year Winners:
1. Rashidi Yekini (1993) – Nigeria’s first winner, celebrated for his prolific goal-scoring ability.
2. Emmanuel Amuneke (1994) – Renowned for his crucial contributions, including at the 1994 AFCON.
3. Nwankwo Kanu (1996 & 1999) – The first Nigerian to win the award twice, showcasing his legendary status.
4. Victor Ikpeba (1997) – Known as “The Prince of Monaco,” his performances in Europe earned him this honor.
5. Victor Osimhen (2023) – A modern-day superstar, recognized for his record-breaking goal-scoring feats.
6. Ademola Lookman (2024) – The latest recipient, whose stellar performances for Atalanta and Nigeria secured him this title.
Unmatched Consistency:
Nigeria is the only country to achieve the CAF Player of the Year award in two consecutive years on three separate occasions, with different players:
Rashidi Yekini (1993) & Emmanuel Amuneke (1994)
Nwankwo Kanu (1996) & Victor Ikpeba (1997)
Victor Osimhen (2023)
Ademola Lookman (2024)
This remarkable feat underscores Nigeria’s deep pool of football talent and its consistent presence on Africa’s biggest football stages.
The record solidifies Nigeria’s legacy as a powerhouse in African football, inspiring future generations to reach even greater heights.