In a surprising twist ahead of the 2024 CAF Awards, Ghana’s rising star Mohammed Kudus and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen were left off the list of nominees for the Men’s Player of the Year. Many fans and analysts were shocked by the omission of these top performers, who had set the stage alight in both club and international play.

Kudus, the dynamic attacking midfielder, had a stellar season, both at the Africa Cup of Nations and in his debut with West Ham United. His two-goal performance against Egypt earned him two Man of the Match titles during AFCON, while his club performances included eight goals in the Premier League and five in the Europa League. Despite these accomplishments, his name was absent from the shortlist, which featured 10 other prominent players across the continent.

Nigerian sensation Osimhen, the reigning CAF Player of the Year, was another shock exclusion. His omission came alongside fellow Nigerian Victor Boniface, who played a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen’s victorious Bundesliga season. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, another fan-favorite, was also left off the list. The notable omissions add a twist to the event, fueling debate over the CAF selection process.

Among those who did make the list are Edmond Tapsoba, Amine Gouiri, Chancel Mbemba, Simon Adingra, and Achraf Hakimi. Standouts include Ademola Lookman, who delivered a hat-trick in the Europa League final, securing Atalanta’s win, and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who is set to represent Mamelodi Sundowns on the podium in Morocco.

The awards ceremony will unfold in Marrakech on December 16, marking Morocco’s third consecutive year as host of African football’s most prestigious event. Fans await the final selection, wondering who will stand atop a highly competitive field.