Nigerians lead charge as CAF Awards 2023 reaches final stage

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the final shortlists for its prestigious CAF Awards 2023 ceremony, and Nigerian players and teams are set to shine brightly on 11 December 2023 in Morocco.

Leading the charge is the legendary Asisat Oshoala, a five-time African Player of the Year (Women) winner who continues to etch her name in history. She finds herself in the top three for the award once again, facing off against Thembi Kgatlana of South Africa and Barbara Banda of Zambia.

Super Falcons’ goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie may have fallen short of the Player of the Year shortlist, but she remains in contention for the Goalkeeper of the Year honor. Nnadozie is poised to challenge Khadija Er-Rmichi of Morocco and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini for the coveted shot-stopper prize.

Adding to Nigeria’s representation, Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun clinched a spot in the top three for the Young Player of the Year (Women) award. She shares the limelight with Comfort Yeboah of Ghana and Morocco’s Nesryne El Chad.

The Nigerian Super Falcons are not to be outdone. Their impressive performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup makes them strong contenders for the National Team of the Year (Women) accolade. They face competition from Morocco and South Africa, both of whom also left a mark on the global stage.

While the Super Falcons shine bright, their coach Randy Waldrum surprisingly did not make the cut for the Coach of the Year (Women) nominations. The final contenders in this category include Reynald Pedro of Morocco, Desiree Ellis of South Africa, and Jerry Tshabalala of Mamelodi Sundowns.

The men’s categories also see Nigerians vying for recognition. Super Eagles and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen emerged from a field of five, setting the stage for a fierce competition against former winner Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.

The awards ceremony promises to be a thrilling night, recognizing the best players and teams across the African continent. With several Nigerians in the running, it’s sure to be a night of celebration for Nigerian football.

Past Winners Add Prestige to the CAF Awards

The CAF Awards are steeped in history, attracting some of the continent’s greatest players. In the men’s category, iconic names like Yaya Toure, Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, Mohammed Salah, Riyad Mahrez, Nwankwo Kanu, Abedi Pele, and the legendary George Weah have all etched their names on the trophy.

Among the women, Asisat Oshoala’s recent dominance with five awards (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022) is undeniable. However, she faces stiff competition from previous winners like Thembi Kgatlana (2018) and Super Falcons legend Perpetua Nkwocha (2004, 2005, 2010, and 2011).

The accolades extend beyond the Player of the Year categories. Numerous prestigious awards, including Interclub Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, National Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, and Goal of the Year, await their worthy recipients. Notably, the Interclub Women’s Player of the Year, introduced last year, continues to shine a light on the rising stars of the CAF Women’s Champions League.

CAF African Player of the Year previous winners : (men)

Year Winner
2022 Sadio Mane
2019 Sadio Mane
2018 Mohamed Salah
2017 Mohamed Salah
2016 Riyad Mahrez
2015 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
2014 Yaya Toure
2013 Yaya Toure
2012 Yaya Toure
2011 Yaya Toure
2010 Sameul Eto’o
2009 Didier Drogba
2008 Emmanuel Adebayor
2007 Frederic Kanoute
2006 Didier Drogba
2005 Samuel Eto’o
2004 Samuel Eto’o
2003 Samuel Eto’o
2002 El Hadji Diouf
2001 El Hadji Diouf
2000 Patrick M’Boma
1999 Nwankwo Kanu
1998 Mustapha Hadji
1997 Victor Ikpeba
1996 Nwankwo Kanu
1995 George Weah
1994 Emmanuel Amunike
1992 Abedi Pele

CAF African Player of the Year previous winners : (women)

Year Winner
2022 Asisat Oshoala
2019 Asisat Oshoala
2018 Thembi Kgatlana
2017 Asisat Oshoala
2016 Asisat Oshoala
2015 Gaelle Enganamouit
2014 Asisat Oshoala
2013 (Not awarded)
2012 Genoveva Anonma
2011 Perpetua Nkwocha
2010 Perpetua Nkwocha
2009 (Not awarded)
2008 Noko Matlou
2007 Cynthia Uwak
2006 Cynthia Uwak
2005 Perpetua Nkwocha
2004 Perpetua Nkwocha
2003 Adjoa Bayor
2002 Alberta Sackey
2001 Mercy Akide

 

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