Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi has been named the 2025 African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), capping an exceptional season for both club and country.

The 27-year-old beat Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to the prestigious honour, cementing his status as one of Africa’s top football talents.

The Paris Saint-Germain right-back claimed the award for the first time, selected by a panel of experts and leading African football journalists.

Hakimi entered the ceremony as the overwhelming favourite following a historic campaign with PSG, helping the club secure four major titles: Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League, the Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions. He also placed sixth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings.

A key figure throughout the season, Hakimi played over 3,400 minutes across all competitions, contributing 6 goals and 4 assists in Ligue 1 and 5 goals with 4 assists in the Champions League, while helping PSG keep 10 clean sheets.

His performances earned him spots in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season, Ligue 1 Team of the Season, and the CAF Team of the Year.

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President Bola Tinubu on Monday commended the Super Eagles for “their efforts” after missing out on ticket for the 2026 World Cup.

On Sunday, the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo 4-3 on penalties in the final match of the African playoffs for the World Cup. The game had ended 1-1 after extra time.

“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” Tinubu said in a statement.

The president then called on “football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders” to return to the “drawing board” and “plug all the loopholes”.

“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory.”

The Super Eagles also missed out on the 2022 World Cup. It is the first time Nigeria have failed to qualify for two consecutive World Cups since the country’s debut in 1994.

The 2025 AFCON will be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The Super Eagles are drawn in Group C against Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has accused the Democratic Republic of Congo of engaging in “voodoo” practices during the penalty shootout of the African World Cup playoffs final on Sunday night.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 4–3 on penalties, following a tense 1–1 draw after extra time.

Speaking to journalists after the defeat, Chelle claimed that members of the DR Congo technical crew were seen performing suspicious acts during the spot kicks.

According to him, someone on the Congolese bench appeared to use “some kind of water” to jinx Nigerian players before their attempts.

“During all the penalty sessions, DR Congo did some voodoo. Every time. Every time. That was why I was a bit nervous,” he said. “I saw something like water or something.”