Two former Nigeria internationals, Ike Shorunmu and Idah Peterside, in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa have thrown their support behind Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali following their nominations for the 2025 CAF Awards.
Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has been nominated for Player of the Year, while Stanley Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United in South Africa, earned a nod in the Goalkeeper of the Year category. Both players have enjoyed outstanding years for club and country, catching the attention of Africa’s football governing body.
Former Super Eagles shot-stopper Ike Shorunmu, who also represented FC Zürich during his club career, said he was delighted to see the two players recognized, even though the competition will be tough.
“The two players, Osimhen and Nwabali, have both done really well for the country and are doing wonderful work at their respective clubs,” Shorunmu told Footy-Africa exclusively.
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“We’ll leave it open for CAF and the voters to decide. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but what matters most is that they’re both at the top of their game right now, representing Nigeria and their clubs with excellence. I wish them all the best ahead of the announcement for both the CAF Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year awards.”
For Idah Peterside, Nwabali’s nomination is a reflection of his steady rise in African football and a reward for his hard work and composure between the sticks.
“I’m glad to hear the news that Stanley Nwabali, our current number one goalkeeper, has been nominated for the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award,” Idah said. “It’s great news because he’s done very well over the past year. Since he came onto the scene, he’s been a blessing.
“However, it might be difficult for him to win it. I don’t think the South African goalkeeper is necessarily the best on the continent, but Ronwen Williams has indeed been one of the most consistent in Africa. Nwabali’s nomination makes sense, and it’s a proud moment for Nigeria. I sincerely wish him all the best and hope he wins it,” he added.
Nominees in the Men’s categories for CAF Awards 2025 announced.🤩🤩
➡️🔗 https://t.co/X4NyVkpYUH#CAFAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/FnHRDrQPkc
— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) October 22, 2025
Peterside, who also featured in the South African league during his playing career, revealed he played a role in helping Nwabali earn his first Super Eagles call-up.
“The joy for me is that I was instrumental in bringing him into the Super Eagles. I recommended him, and seeing how far he’s come gives me great satisfaction,” Idah noted. “I’ll take some credit because I was the one who discovered him for Nigeria. He’s done really well — his strength of character and temperament have been questioned, but his goalkeeping ability has never been in doubt. That’s something I truly admire”.
“I like his character and his passion. I enjoy seeing goalkeepers with that fire and those who push their teammates and inspire them to do better. That’s the kind of personality he has. He’s a Port Harcourt boy, and I love that everything about him reflects discipline, enthusiasm, and drive.” Peterside concluded.
Victor Osimhen was voted the CAF Footballer of the Year for 2023 while Stanley Nwabali will be hoping to get his first continental personal honours.
