Nigerian Players, Teams In 2024 CAF Awards Final Shortlist

As the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony approaches, Nigeria is proudly represented by a good number of players and teams in the final shortlists of the awards.

Top on the list of Nigerians who made it into the 2024 CAF Awards final shortlist are Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman and Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Nnadozie is a strong contender for two prestigious categories at the 2024 CAF awards, which is set to take place in Marrakesh, Morocco, on Monday, December 16.

She is contending for the Women’s Player of the Year award, where she faces competition from Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Zambia’s Babra Banda. Additionally, she is favoured to claim the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second consecutive year, following her remarkable performances with Paris FC.

In the men’s category, Ademola Lookman is in a competitive race for the Men’s Player of the Year award, competing against notable players, including Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.

Both Lookman and Nnadozie aim to follow in the footsteps of their compatriot Victor Osimhen, the current holder of the Men’s Player of the Year award, and Asisat Oshoala, who has won the women’s award six times, including the last edition.

Furthermore, both the Super Eagles and Super Falcons have earned nominations for the CAF National Team of the Year awards. The Super Eagles are up against the AFCON 2023 champions, Ivory Coast and South Africa.

Their nomination stems from a commendable performance in AFCON, where they successfully navigated through the tournament, defeating teams like Cameroon and Angola before finishing as runners-up to the hosts.

Although 2024 was less eventful for the Super Falcons, they showcased their talent on the international stage by competing in the Olympics, as well as securing victories in friendly matches against Algeria. Their determination continued even in tough matches, including a narrow loss to France.

Additionally, rising star Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, who plays for Falconets and Rivers Angels, has been recognized as a finalist for the Women’s Young Player of the Year award. She impressed during the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup, contributing significantly with two goals and one assist despite the team’s early exit.

To round out this impressive 2024 CAF Awards lineup, Edo Queens, champions of the Nigeria Women’s Football League, are also in contention for the Women’s Club of the Year award, competing with TP Mazembe and Asfar.