Nigerian football sensation Victor Osimhen will be conspicuously absent from the 2025 CAF Awards ceremony in Rabat, Morocco, following the Super Eagles' devastating failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Injury Forces Osimhen's Withdrawal
The 26-year-old striker, who plays for Galatasaray in Turkey, suffered a significant knock during Nigeria's crucial World Cup playoff final against DR Congo on November 19. Despite being nominated for the prestigious CAF Player of the Year award alongside Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi, Osimhen will immediately return to his Turkish base for medical assessment.
Osimhen is scheduled for an MRI scan to determine the full extent of his injury after departing Morocco. The forward managed only 45 minutes in the high-stakes encounter against the Leopards before being substituted at halftime.
Painful World Cup Exit for Super Eagles
The match against DR Congo proved to be a heartbreaking affair for Nigerian football fans. Frank Onyeka had given the Super Eagles an early lead with a 3rd-minute strike, raising hopes of World Cup qualification.
However, Mechak Elia equalized for DR Congo in the 32nd minute, changing the complexion of the game. The Nigerian team struggled to contain their opponents in the second half, with the match ending 1-1 after regulation and extra time.
DR Congo eventually triumphed 4-3 in the penalty shootout, securing their place in the inter-continental playoff scheduled for March next year while ending Nigeria's World Cup dreams.
Injury Details and Barcelona Interest
Osimhen's injury occurred during an aerial challenge with DR Congo defender Ngal'ayel Mukau in the opening minutes. Despite receiving medical attention on the pitch, the determined forward continued playing until halftime.
Cameras later captured Osimhen walking with visible discomfort on the sidelines, though he remained engaged, urging his teammates to continue fighting. The injury comes at a particularly challenging time for the striker, who had been in incredible form for Galatasaray.
Spanish giants Barcelona have expressed serious interest in signing the Nigerian international, with reports indicating they're prepared to submit a staggering €120 million offer should they fail to land other transfer targets.
Osimhen, who was crowned CAF Player of the Year in 2023, now faces an uncertain period of recovery while missing one of African football's most prestigious events.
