Asisat Oshoala loses title as CAF reveals 2024 Women’s POTY nominees

For the first time in several years, Asisat Oshoala has been left out of the nominees for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, signalling the end of her reign as Africa’s top female footballer. The 2024 CAF Awards nominees were unveiled on Wednesday, with Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie among the 10 players shortlisted for the prestigious title.

The awards ceremony, scheduled for December 16, 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco, features other notable names, including South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana, Zambia’s Barbara Banda, and Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga. The nominees highlight the growing competitiveness of women’s football in Africa.

In addition to Ajibade and Nnadozie’s recognition, Nigerian representation extends across several categories:

• Young Player of the Year: Flourish Sabastine and Chiamaka Okuchukwu are among the nominees.
• Interclub Player of the Year: Edo Queens’ Emem Essien and Monle Oyono are shortlisted.
• Coach of the Year: Nigerian coaches Bankole Olowookere U17, Chris Danjuma U20, and Moses Adukwu Edo Queens are in contention.
• National Team of the Year: Nigeria’s Super Falcons, U17 Flamingos, and U20 Falconets are nominated.

Edo Queens also earned a spot in the Club of the Year category, reflecting their strong performance in the CAF Women’s Champions League.

The winners will be determined through votes from a panel comprising CAF Technical Committee members, media professionals, and representatives from Member Associations and clubs.

Editorial

The exclusion of Asisat Oshoala from this year’s CAF Women’s Player of the Year nominees list signals a shift in African women’s football. This marks a new era where rising stars like Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie are stepping into the spotlight, showcasing the depth of talent Nigeria continues to produce.

The nominations across multiple categories highlight Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football, from individual achievements to team successes. Recognition of Edo Queens and their players underscores the growing influence of Nigerian clubs in continental competitions.

This year’s awards also shine a light on the vital role of coaching in nurturing talent. The inclusion of three Nigerian coaches in the Coach of the Year category reflects the hard work being done at the grassroots and national team levels to develop the next generation of football stars.

As the ceremony approaches, the focus will not only be on the winners but also on celebrating the progress of women’s football in Africa and the strides it continues to make globally.

Did You Know?

1. Asisat Oshoala has won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award five times, a record in African women’s football.
2. Edo Queens made it to the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Champions League, earning them a Club of the Year nomination.
3. The Super Falcons have won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations WAFCON a record 11 times, showcasing their dominance.
4. Flourish Sabastine scored Nigeria’s only goal in their opening match at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
5. The 2024 CAF Awards will cover performances between January and October 2024.