Nigerian forwards Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke have been named on the 20-man shortlist for the 2025-2026 SPORTY LaLiga African MVP Award after the Spanish top flight revealed its nominees this week.

The prize, now in its fifth edition, is organised by LaLiga in partnership with SPORTY to celebrate African excellence in Spain and deepen links between Spanish and African football.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou won the inaugural award in 2021/22, while Nigeria’s Samuel Chukwueze claimed the 2022/23 honour. Inaki Williams of Athletic Club has lifted the last two titles and returns to the shortlist again.

Adams has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Sevilla, leading the club’s league scoring charts with seven goals and three assists in 24 appearances. The 26-year-old joined from Montpellier in a mid-season move last year and quickly justified the club’s €5m pay, including a goal in a 4-1 win over Barcelona.

Ejuke’s inclusion demonstrates the growing influence of Nigerian players in Spain. The duo face stiff competition from Villarreal pair Pape Gueye and Nicolas Pepe, as well as Getafe defender Djene Dakonam.

Voting opened this week and will run until 10 May, with the winner decided through a mix of fan votes and a panel of experts, including football journalists and industry stakeholders. The award will be presented on 23 May in Lagos.

Early voting shows Gueye leading with 24.1 per cent, followed by Pepe on 19.6 per cent. Adams has 12.1 per cent, level with Williams, while Ejuke has 0.7 per cent at this early stage.