Former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) chairman, Kojo Williams, has attributed the absence of Nigerian players from the men’s and women’s African Player of the Year nomination lists to the country’s disappointing performances over the past year, insisting that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) cannot be blamed for the omission.

Nigeria’s national teams have endured a difficult period, with the Super Eagles failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite finishing third at the last Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Falcons have also struggled to maintain their dominance, missing out on qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and failing to finish among the top three teams at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

CAF recently unveiled a 10-man shortlist for the Men's African Player of the Year award, featuring some of the continent’s outstanding performers, including Yoane Wissa, Ismael Saibari, Achraf Hakimi, Ismaïla Sarr and Amad Diallo.

However, the absence of Nigerian players, particularly Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, generated discussions among football followers.

Speaking on ThePlayzone podcast, Williams said Nigeria’s omission did not come as a surprise to him, arguing that the country's performances over the assessment period did not warrant representation among the nominees.

“It won't be fair to me to say that I am surprised, but it all has to do with our performances, what we've done in the last one year,” he said.

“So if we're not doing the right thing, of course, they won't pick us. Did we qualify for the World Cup? We didn't win the AFCON. You cannot fault that.”

Osimhen's absence from the men's shortlist was particularly notable, considering his contributions to Nigeria at the 2025 AFCON, where he scored four goals, and his role in helping Galatasaray retain their Turkish Super Lig title.

Despite acknowledging the striker's impressive performances, Williams suggested that factors beyond individual quality and achievements could sometimes influence the selection process for the prestigious continental award.

“You know sometimes they play politics. Yes, Victor did well in Europe, but you had the other guys from other teams like PSG, and maybe the league he's playing in,” he said.

Williams, however, maintained that Osimhen remained an outstanding footballer, pointing to his previous success in winning the African Player of the Year award.

“Yes, he won African Footballer of the Year when he was playing for Napoli. He's a great player,” he added.

Nigeria boasts an impressive history at the CAF Awards, having produced several winners of the men's African Player of the Year prize.

Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have all won the men's award.

In the women's category, Asisat Oshoala, Perpetua Nkwocha, Cynthia Uwak and Mercy Akide have also brought continental recognition to Nigeria.

The latest omission represents a disappointing development for Nigerian football, with Williams insisting that improved performances by the country's national teams and players remain essential to restoring Nigeria's presence among Africa's football elite.