Super Falcons stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie headline Nigeria’s nominees for the 2024 CAF Awards as the African football governing body released the women’s categories nominees ahead of the December 16 ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Nigeria dominated the nominations with 13 representatives across all categories, including Atletico Madrid forward Ajibade and Paris FC goalkeeper Nnadozie, who are both in contention for the prestigious Women’s Player of The Year award currently held by compatriot Asisat Oshoala.
CAF Women’s Champions League semi-finalists Edo Queens received multiple nominations, with striker Emem Essien and goalkeeper Monle Oyono making the Interclub Player of The Year shortlist, while their coach Moses Adukwu was nominated for Coach of The Year.
In the goalkeeping category, Nnadozie faces competition from Oyono and eight other contestants including Morocco’s AS FAR duo Khadija Er-Rmichi and Fatima El Jebraoui, and South African pair Andile Dlamini and Thandeka Ngcobo.
The future looks bright for Nigerian women’s football as Chiamaka Okuchukwu of Rivers Angels and Flourish Sabastine of French side Stade de Reims were nominated for the Young Player of The Year award.
Nigeria’s impressive youth development was further recognised with nominations for coaches Bankole Olowookere (U-17) and Chris Danjuma (U-20) in the Coach of The Year category, while the country’s senior and youth teams (U-17 and U-20) all made the National Team of The Year shortlist.
Edo Queens will compete for Club of The Year honours against continental heavyweights including AS FAR of Morocco, TP Mazembe of DR Congo, and South African duo Mamelodi Sundowns and University of the Western Cape.
The strong Nigerian presence extends to the men’s categories as well, with Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali both making the five-man shortlist for their respective categories. Lookman, who has netted eight goals with five assists in 13 games this season, is favoured to clinch the Player of The Year award following his outstanding performances for both club and country.
The Super Eagles are also in contention for the Men’s National Team of the Year, competing against AFCON champions Ivory Coast, DR Congo, South Africa and Sudan for the prestigious honour.
The winners will be determined through votes from the CAF Technical Committee, media professionals, and head coaches and captains of member associations, as well as clubs participating in the group stages of CAF Interclub competitions.
The awards ceremony, which covers achievements between January and October 2024, promises to be a celebration of the continued growth of women’s football across the continent, with Nigeria hoping to maintain its strong presence in African football’s night of honours.