CAF Awards 2025: Ikpeba Backs a New King

Africa’s most prestigious individual honour is on the line tonight in Rabat, as Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi and Victor Osimhen battle for the 2025 CAF African Footballer of the Year award.

This is the trophy that defines eras. Since 1992 it has crowned icons, shaped legacies and written African football history. Tonight, one of these three superstars will join that lineage.

And according to 1997 winner Victor Ikpeba, Africa may be about to witness something rare.

Tonight is CAF Awards night! ??

Who deserves the biggest prize of them all – African Footballer of the Year? ? pic.twitter.com/Zg0nMFimpi

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Hakimi the Favourite? 

Ikpeba, who knows the weight of this honour better than most, believes the continent could soon be celebrating a defender – a position rarely rewarded on nights like this.

In his words:

“I think it has to be Hakimi. I know sometimes it’s so difficult for defenders to win it. He’s been an inspiration. He’s been a key figure for this PSG side. Winning the Champions League is the holy grail in world club football.”

Hakimi’s résumé this year is historic: a Champions League title, Ligue 1 triumph, and a domestic double with PSG. According to Ikpeba, that level of success sets him apart.

“But in doing so and winning the treble with PSG, I think he should be favourite.”

Hakimi would become Morocco’s first modern-era winner and only the second ever defender to take the crown after Bwanga Tshimen in 1973.

Achraf Hakimi ? pic.twitter.com/1FrR8qcsqf

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Salah’s chances

Ikpeba also praised Mohamed Salah’s achievements this season, especially guiding Liverpool back to the Premier League summit.

But in his view, the hierarchy is clear:

“I know Salah won the English Premier League… but the Champions League is a top, top, top tournament, bigger than the English Premier League.”

A win tonight would take Salah to three CAF awards, placing him among Africa’s most decorated ever – behind only Samuel Eto’o and Yaya Touré.

Osimhen’s Chase for a Second Crown

Ikpeba also acknowledged the strong cases made by Africa’s other elite forwards.

“Then for the other players, Salah, Guirassy in Dortmund and of course Osimhen for what he’s done with Galatasaray. All great…”

Osimhen already has one Player of the Year trophy, and a second would confirm his place as Africa’s leading striker of the modern era.

But Ikpeba’s position remains firm – this year belongs to a defender, if justice is done.

“…but I think it will be rewarding to see a defender actually winning the African Player of the Year.”