Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie lead Nigeria’s nominations for the 2024 CAF Women’s Awards, including Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year. However, six-time winner Asisat Oshoala misses out. Nigeria’s national teams and coaches also earned nods, with the awards set for December 16 in Marrakech, Morocco.
Nigerian football stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. The announcement, made on Wednesday, highlights their remarkable performances over the past year, bringing pride to Nigerian football.
The duo is joined on the 10-player shortlist by top athletes from across Africa, including South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana, Zambia’s Barbara Banda and Racheal Kundananji, and Malawi’s Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga. Other nominees include Sandrine Niyonkuru of Burundi, Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy, and Jermaine Seoposenwe of South Africa.
Surprisingly, Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala, a six-time winner of the award and one of the continent’s most celebrated players, did not make this year’s list. This is the first time Oshoala has been left out since 2015.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, who also secured a nomination for Goalkeeper of the Year, aims to reclaim the title she won in 2023. Her stellar performances in goal have cemented her reputation as one of Africa’s top keepers.
Additionally, the Super Falcons, Falconets, and Flamingos were recognized as nominees for the National Team of the Year award. Flourish Sabastine and Chiamaka Okuchukwu are also contenders for the Best Young Player prize, further showcasing Nigeria’s depth of talent.
The 2024 CAF Awards ceremony is set to be held on December 16 in Marrakech, Morocco, where the continent’s best will be celebrated.
