Celebrating African Excellence: CAF Unveils Women’s Nominees for the 2024 Awards

 The stage is set for an exhilarating celebration of African women’s football, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed the official shortlist for the 2024 Women’s CAF Awards. In an event that highlights exceptional talent across the continent, the nominees reflect the remarkable strides made by female athletes and teams in African football.

The coveted Women’s Player of the Year category features a dazzling array of talent. Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC) and Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid) are among the 10 finalists, alongside Malawi's dynamic duo of Tabitha Chawinga (Olympique Lyonnais) and Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City). South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana (Tigres UANL) and Zambia’s sensational Barbara Banda (Orlando Pride) join the list, promising fierce competition.

In the Goalkeeper of the Year category, Nigerian shot-stoppers Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC) and Monle Oyono (Edo Queens) lead a strong contingent, battling against South Africa’s ever-reliable Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi (AS FAR).

The Young Player of the Year award sees rising stars like Nigeria’s Flourish Sabastine (Stade de Reims) and Morocco’s Doha El Madani (AS FAR) in the spotlight, alongside Ghana’s Stella Nyamekye (Dreamz Ladies) and South Africa’s Nthabiseng Majiya (Mamelodi Sundowns).

Recognizing exceptional leadership, the Coach of the Year category features Nigeria’s Bankole Olowookere (U-17) and Chris Danjuma (U-20) alongside Morocco’s Mohamed Amine Alioua (AS FAR) and South Africa’s Thinasonke Mbuli (University of the Western Cape).

The highly competitive National Team of the Year category includes the senior teams of Nigeria, South Africa, Malawi, and Zambia, as well as youth teams like Nigeria U-17, Cameroon U-20, and Morocco U-20.

At the club level, AS FAR (Morocco), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and Edo Queens (Nigeria) headline the nominees for the Club of the Year award, showcasing the rising prominence of African women’s club football.

Scheduled to take place on December 16, 2024, in the iconic city of Marrakech, Morocco, the awards night promises to be a glittering celebration of talent, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of African women in football.

As the countdown begins, fans and stakeholders eagerly anticipate the crowning of these outstanding players, coaches, and teams who have etched their names into the annals of African football history.