The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the nominees for the women’s categories at the highly anticipated #CAFAwards24, and Nigeria has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in African women’s football with an impressive presence across multiple categories. Scheduled for December 16 in the vibrant city of Marrakech, Morocco, the awards ceremony promises to be a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the boundless talent within African football.
Among the most prestigious accolades of the night, the CAF Women’s Player of the Year category, sees two Nigerian stars vying for the title. Rasheedat Ajibade, a key player for Atletico Madrid, and Chiamaka Nnadozie, the rock-solid goalkeeper for Paris FC, are the nation’s torchbearers. Their nominations are a testament to their extraordinary performances on both the domestic and international stages. Nnadozie’s exceptional reflexes and commanding presence in goal have also earned her a nomination for the Goalkeeper of the Year award, alongside Monle Oyono of Edo Queens, further underscoring Nigeria’s depth in quality players.
The Young Player of the Year category showcases Nigeria’s vibrant pipeline of talent, with Chiamaka Okuchukwu of Rivers Angels and Flourish Sabastine of Stade de Reims making the shortlist. Sabastine, known for her blistering pace and clinical finishing, has been a rising star in the French league, while Okuchukwu has been a reliable force for Rivers Angels, demonstrating maturity beyond her years.
In the Interclub Player of the Year category, Emem Essien and Monle Oyono, both representing Edo Queens, have brought pride to the nation. Their performances during the club season have not only helped their team secure crucial victories but also inspired countless young girls dreaming of a career in football.
Nigeria’s dominance extends beyond the pitch, as the Coach of the Year category features three tacticians who have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s success story. Bankole Olowookere (Nigeria U-17), Chris Danjuma (Nigeria U-20), and Moses Adukwu (Edo Queens) have been instrumental in developing future stars and steering their teams to remarkable achievements. Their nominations reflect the strategic brilliance and leadership that underpin5 Nigeria’s footballing ecosystem.
At the national level, Nigeria’s senior women’s team, along with the U-17 and U-20 squads, have all been nominated for the National Team of the Year award. These teams have consistently raised the bar in international tournaments, showcasing the resilience, skill, and teamwork that have become synonymous with Nigerian football.
Adding to the list of accolades, Edo Queens, the reigning champions of the Nigeria Women’s League, have been shortlisted for the Club of the Year award. Their domestic dominance and stellar performances on the continental stage make them strong contenders in this category.
As the countdown to the CAF Awards begins, Nigeria’s strong representation across categories underscores its pivotal role in the evolution of African women’s football. From experienced stalwarts like Ajibade and Nnadozie to emerging stars like Sabastine and Okuchukwu, the nation’s footballing talent is a beacon of inspiration for the continent.
The December 16 ceremony promises to be a night of celebration, where the best in African football will be honored against the backdrop of Morocco’s rich cultural heritage. For Nigeria, it is not just about the awards but a moment to reflect on the progress made, the dreams fulfilled, and the untapped potential that still lies ahead.
As the players, coaches, and teams prepare for the grand event, one thing is clear: Nigerian football is not just participating in the African football narrative. it is defining it.
