The much-anticipated list for the CAF African Player of the Year 2024 has sparked outrage among football fans across the continent.
The list, released earlier today, notably excludes several top-class players who have been in sensational form throughout the year, leaving supporters stunned and frustrated.
Among those shockingly left out are Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah, Ghanaian star Mohammed Kudus, Nigerian rising stars Victor Boniface and Nicolas Jackson, as well as Spanish international with African roots, Brahim Díaz. Notably, even Nigeria’s goal machine and Napoli’s Serie A-winning forward, Victor Osimhen, failed to make the cut, a decision that has left fans in disbelief.
Mohamed Salah, who has been a consistent performer for Liverpool, and Osimhen, who played a pivotal role in Napoli’s title-winning campaign, were both expected to be frontrunners for the prestigious award. Similarly, Kudus’ exploits at West Ham and the growing reputations of Boniface at Bayer Leverkusen and Jackson at Chelsea have further fueled the criticism towards CAF’s selection process.
Social media has been flooded with reactions, with fans across Africa questioning the credibility of the nominations. Many feel that these snubs are a disservice to the players’ remarkable performances in European football this season.
As the debate rages on, the football community waits to see whether CAF will respond to the widespread dissatisfaction surrounding this year’s nominees for Africa’s highest individual football accolade.