- Nigeria dominates the 2024 CAF Awards nominations with 13 representatives, including Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie contending for Women’s Player of the Year
- Edo Queens players and coach have been shortlisted for multiple honours while rising stars like Flourish Sabastine and Chiamaka Okuchukwu compete for Young Player of the Year
- The awards, honouring achievements from January to October 2024, will be decided by votes from CAF’s Technical Committee, media, and national team leaders
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the prestigious 2024 CAF Awards, and Nigeria’s presence across the categories is nothing short of impressive.
From seasoned stars like Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie to emerging talents and respected coaches, the country’s contributions to African football are ready for a well-deserved recognition on December 16 in Marrakech, Morocco.
Ajibade, the Atletico Madrid forward, and Paris FC goalkeeper Nnadozie lead the charge, vying for the Women’s Player of the Year award, a title currently held by Nigerian star forward Asisat Oshoala. Nigeria’s influence isn’t limited to individual accolades, as 13 nominations across various categories prove the nation’s dominance in women’s football.
CAF Women’s Champions League semi-finalists Edo Queens have also left their mark with multiple nominations. Striker Emem Essien and goalkeeper Monle Oyono have earned spots on the Interclub Player of the Year shortlist, while coach Moses Adukwu is in contention for Coach of the Year.
In the competitive goalkeeping category, Nnadozie and Oyono face tough opposition, including Khadija Er-Rmichi and Fatima El Jebraoui of Morocco’s AS FAR, alongside South Africa’s Andile Dlamini and Thandeka Ngcobo. Meanwhile, the Young Player of the Year shortlist features Nigerian prodigies Chiamaka Okuchukwu of Rivers Angels and Flourish Sabastine of Stade de Reims, showcasing the country’s promising youth development.
Nigeria’s coaches Bankole Olowookere (U-17) and Chris Danjuma (U-20) also secured Coach of the Year nominations. At the same time, the Super Falcons, U-17, and U-20 teams were shortlisted for the National Team of the Year category.
The CAF Awards aren’t just a celebration of women’s football. Nigeria’s male players also earned recognition, with Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali competing for Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year, respectively. Lookman’s stellar form, with eight goals and five assists this season, places him as a top contender.
Winners will be decided through votes from CAF’s Technical Committee, media professionals, national team leaders, and club representatives, covering achievements from January to October 2024. For Nigeria, it’s another opportunity to show its status as a powerhouse on the continent and that it belongs among the elite in African football.
Paris Olympic 2024: Super Falcons defender Ebi discusses being left out of squad
Previously, TheRadar reported that Nigeria’s Olympic journey, though filled with many ups and downs and a rollercoaster of emotions for athletes and fans, didn’t fail to thrill netizens.
One of the most talked-about stories involves Super Falcons defender Onome Ebi, who recently took to social media to address her exclusion from Nigeria’s Paris 2024 Olympic squad. Despite her disappointment, she emphasised her respect for the coaching staff and team management.
