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.
The very best.
Player of the Year (WOMEN) award – Final 3.#CAFAwards2023 pic.twitter.com/mORASsoDFr
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 7, 2023
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.
Say cheese if you're a top 3 player in the continent. 😁#CAFAwards2023 pic.twitter.com/GcpYHfAPkA
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 7, 2023
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 |
