Former Nigeria striker Victor Ikpeba has shed light on why Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi edged Victor Osimhen to the 2025 CAF Player of the Year Award, a result that stirred plenty of reactions across the continent.

Victor Ikpeba said Hakimi’s season with Paris Saint-Germain simply placed him ahead of everyone else in the running.

The right-back played a key part in PSG’s Champions League triumph and also lifted the Ligue 1 title along with every major domestic trophy available to the French champions. Only the FIFA Club World Cup slipped from their grasp.

The Moroccan finished ahead of Osimhen and Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah to win African football’s biggest individual honour.

Osimhen still had an exceptional campaign of his own. The Super Eagles striker scored 37 times and delivered eight assists in 41 matches for Galatasaray, helping the Turkish giants secure a domestic double.

Ikpeba, however, believes Hakimi’s influence in a treble-winning side made the difference.

“We are disappointed we are not going to the World Cup but Victor has been outstanding with his passion and determination when he plays for the national team with no limits,” Ikpeba said.

“For the three players, I think Hakimi has been brilliant, won the Ligue 1, the Champions League, and he won everything with PSG.

“But I think for the beauty of the football, he is a deserving winner.”