The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the 30-man shortlist for this year's player of the year award, but Victor Osimhen didn't make the list.

No one saw it coming, I mean, how would you explain an 18-goal striker missing out when strikers with lesser output and impacts were included in the list.

The Napoli star assisted two and scored four goals against Sao Tome in the last AFCON 2023 qualifying match, while he was involved in 24 goals (18 goals and 6 assists) in all competitions for his club during the year in review.

Diving a little bit from Osimhen, it remains a mystery how Nigeria's midfielder Joe Aribo couldn't make the list despite featuring in three of the four matches played by his country at the Mundial.

Having featured regularly for the Super Eagles, and winning a major trophy for Glasgow Rangers, everyone expected the lively midfielder's name on the list.


As for Osimhen, most people pointed to his absence during the AFCON 2021 tournament as the main reason for his snub.

The 23-year-old striker couldn't showcase his skills and talents at the tournament due to injury.

He couldn't overcome the nasty head injury he suffered against Inter Milan in November 2021. Hence, the then-manager Austin Eguavoen ignored him in his final AFCON list.

His controversial absence undoubtedly influenced the organizer's decision to leave him out of contention for the award.

Osimhen's Move To Arsenal Suffers A Huge Setback

The 23-year-old striker has been Arsenal's long-time target since his exploits at the under-17 World Cup in 2017, and reports were linking him to the Emirates Stadium.

Unfortunately, the proposed move to the Gunners suffered a huge setback while Mikel Arteta's side confirmed Gabriel Jesus' signature this week.

The 25-year-old Brazilian forward sealed a £45million move to the Gunners from Manchester City, thereby becoming one of the club's most coveted center-forwards at the moment.

As it stands, the Nigerian forward might remain at the Diego Maradona Stadium for the 2022/2023 season.

Meanwhile, Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly looking at the chances of luring the striker to Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford this summer.

Having released Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan, the Blues are in the market for a capable replacement.

Though Thomas Tuchel's employers haven't made an official bid, reports emanating from the West London club suggest the manager fancies a chance of working with the prolific striker.

As for Manchester United, the Red Devils have reportedly met with Napoli to discuss the player's availability but it remains unknown if they will meet Napoli's asking price.

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Missing Afcon is not enough reason why is name should not be there....North African with their stupid politics again

Olaoluwa122:
Missing Afcon is not enough reason why is name should not be there....North African with their stupid politics again

keep quiet wetin oshimhen do last season when we no go rest because he manage score 13 goals we no go here word una go dey insult England of hyping but we worst pass them for that aspect .

As una hype them.reach na Ghana wey Comoros trash for Afcon, country wey no get venue to host wcqualifier pick the ticket over our over hype otes

Nigeria is not a football nation they have one of d worst league in Africa .
No bitter rivalry the nation look up to every year.
No representative in the caf champion league group stages for the past 5yrs
No forigen coach in the league