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Tag: CAF awards

  • CAF Awards: Ajibade, Nnadozie lead Nigeria’s charge for women honours

    CAF Awards: Ajibade, Nnadozie lead Nigeria’s charge for women honours

    Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie have been named among the final three nominees for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year awards respectively, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing dominance in African women’s football.

    CAF announced the finalists on Sunday via its X platform. Ajibade will compete for the continent’s top honour alongside Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy.

    The PSG forward delivered a stellar year, inspiring Nigeria to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title in Morocco. Her brilliance earned her both the Player of the Tournament and a place in the Team of the Tournament, positioning her as a leading favourite for the award.

    Read Also: NFF  hails Tinubu’s  unflinching support for Nigerian football

    Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is also poised for history as she bids for a third consecutive Goalkeeper of the Year crown. The 24-year-old Brighton star won the Coupe de France Féminine and was instrumental in Nigeria’s triumphant WAFCON campaign. She will contend with Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini.

    Nigeria’s strong representation continues with rising star Shakirat Moshood making the final three for the Women’s Young Player of the Year category, while the Super Falcons are shortlisted for Women’s National Team of the Year.

    The winners will be honoured at the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, 19 November.

  • CAF AWARDS: Mbah praises  Lookman, Nnadozie, Super Falcons

    CAF AWARDS: Mbah praises  Lookman, Nnadozie, Super Falcons

    Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah has congratulated Ademola Lookman, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons on their wins at the 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards, describing the event as a night of glory for both Nigerian football and the nation in general.

    “Congratulations to Ademola Lookman, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons on their well-deserved awards as Africa’s Male Footballer of the Year, Female Goalkeeper of the Year, and Female National Team of the Year, respectively, at the prestigious CAF Awards, 2024.

    Read Also: NFF urge Edo Queens to win CAF Women’s Champions League title

    “It was indeed a night of glory for Nigeria. You shone like a million stars through a dint of hard work and patriotism in the year under review and we are super proud of you all.

    “I hope these serve as your stepping stones unto higher ground in your individual footballing careers and for Nigerian football in general. Again, congratulations,” he stated.

  • Enugu governor hails Lookman, Nnadozie, Super Falcons on CAF awards wins

    Enugu governor hails Lookman, Nnadozie, Super Falcons on CAF awards wins

    …says it’s Nigeria’s night of glory

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has congratulated Ademola Lookman, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons for their outstanding achievements at the 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards.

    Describing the event as a night of glory for both Nigerian football and the nation, Mbah praised their performances and highlighted the significance of their victories on the continental stage.

    “Congratulations to Ademola Lookman, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons on their well deserved awards as Africa’s Male Footballer of the Year, Female Goalkeeper of the Year, and Female National Team of the Year, respectively, at the prestigious CAF Awards, 2024.

    Read Also: First Lady celebrates Nigerian stars’ victory at CAF Awards

    “It was indeed a night of glory for Nigeria. You shone like a million stars through a dint of hard work and patriotism in the year under review and we are super proud of you all.

    “I hope these serve as your stepping stones unto higher ground in your individual footballing careers and for Nigerian football in general. Again, congratulations,” he stated.

  • First Lady celebrates Nigerian stars’ victory at CAF Awards

    First Lady celebrates Nigerian stars’ victory at CAF Awards

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has congratulated Chiamaka Nnadozie, Ademola Lookman, and the Super Falcons for their outstanding achievements at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards. 

    In a heartfelt message, the First Lady lauded their dedication, talent, and passion for football, which she said has brought pride to the nation.

    “This is the reward for your dedication, talent, and passion for the round leather game,” Mrs. Tinubu stated. 

    “You have brought pride to Nigeria and showcased the excellence of our athletes on the African stage”, she said. 

    The Super Falcons, who remain a dominant force in African women’s football, received special praise from the First Lady for their resilience and strength. 

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Akpabio hails Lookman, Nnadozie, Super Falcons for making Nigeria proud

    “To the Super Falcons, you continue to represent the resilience and strength of Nigerian women, making us proud every step of the way,” she said, commending their contributions to elevating Nigeria’s global sports reputation.

    Mrs. Tinubu also encouraged the athletes to aim for even greater achievements, saying, “Congratulations to you all. Keep soaring to greater heights.”

    The CAF Awards celebrate outstanding African footballers and teams, with this year’s ceremony highlighting the achievements of Nigerian athletes.

  • Speaker Abbas: Falcons, Lookman, Nnadozie’s CAF Awards boost Nigeria’s global profile 

    Speaker Abbas: Falcons, Lookman, Nnadozie’s CAF Awards boost Nigeria’s global profile 

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has hailed Nigeria’s achievements at the 2024 CAF Awards, calling it a significant boost to the country’s international profile. 

    In a congratulatory message signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker noted that sports and entertainment continue to unite Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines. 

    He expressed excitement over Super Eagles striker Ademola Lookman’s selection as African Footballer of the Year, the Super Falcons’ retention of the Women’s National Team of the Year award, and Chiamaka Nnadozie’s successful defence of her Goalkeeper of the Year title, highlighting the joy these victories have brought to Nigerians across the country. 

    Speaker Abbas further emphasized that Nigeria’s dominance in African football has been solidified by Lookman’s win, following in the footsteps of Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen, who won the award the previous year. 

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Akpabio hails Lookman, Nnadozie, Super Falcons for making Nigeria proud

    With Nigerians having won the African Player of the Year a record seven times, the Speaker pointed out that the country continues to produce stars in various fields, defying numerous challenges. 

    He also called for increased investment in Nigerian youth, noting that the country is a major talent hub in sports, entertainment, science, and other areas. 

    While congratulating the awardees, Speaker Abbas urged them to remain exemplary ambassadors of Nigeria and continue to elevate the country’s image globally.

  • CAF Awards: Akpabio hails Lookman, Nnadozie, Super Falcons for making Nigeria proud

    CAF Awards: Akpabio hails Lookman, Nnadozie, Super Falcons for making Nigeria proud

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated Nigeria’s Atalanta of Italy forward and Super Eagles goal poacher, Ademola Lookman for winning the CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award.

    Akpabio, in a statement by his special adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, also congratulated the Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, for emerging as the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year.

    He also hailed the national female team, the Super Falcons, for winning the Women’s National Team of the Year Award.

    The Senate President who extolled Lookman’s exceptional skills and prowess said: “I wish to congratulate one of our finest footballers and an international superstar, Ademola Lookman on his well-deserved win as the CAF Men’s Player of the Year.

    “This prestigious award is a testament to Lookman’s hard work, dedication, and exceptional skills on the football pitch.

    “I would also like to celebrate our amiable and talented Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, who has won the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second consecutive year. Her outstanding performance is an inspiration to young Nigerian girls who aspire to excel in sports.

    “Furthermore, I commend the Super Falcons for emerging as the Women’s National Team of the Year. This achievement demonstrates the team’s resilience, teamwork, and commitment to excellence.

    Read Also: CAF Awards 2024: Lookman crowned 2024 CAF Player of the Year

    “These awards are not only a proud moment for Nigerian football but also a reflection of our nation’s rich sporting talent. We are honoured to have such exceptional athletes representing Nigeria on the global stage.

    “The Senate and in deed the National Assembly under my leadership would continue to support sports through enabling laws and adequate appropriations to harness all the hidden talents in the country.

    “Once again, I congratulate Ademola Lookman, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons on their remarkable achievements.”

  • Obi applauds Osimhen, Oshoala, others on CAF awards

    Obi applauds Osimhen, Oshoala, others on CAF awards

    Asisat Oshoala and Victor Osimhen, the recipients of the 2023 African Players of the Year awards in the women’s and men’s categories, have been congratulated by Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party.

    The ex-governor of Anambra state commended Chiamaka Nnadozie for winning both the Nigerian women’s football team and the 2023 Confederation of African Football Women’s Goalkeeper title.
    In a thread of tweets on his X handle on Tuesday, Obi wrote: “I like to join all other sports lovers in the country to sincerely congratulate the Nigeria duo of #victorosimhen9 and #AsisatOshoala for emerging African Players of the Year, in the men and women categories respectively this year.

    “I also celebrate #Nadoziechiamaka who won the 2023 CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award and our Nigerian female football team, Super Falcons, who won the 2023 CAF award for the National Team of the Year.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Sports Minister lauds Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie, Super Falcons

    “We are all proud of their awards, which bear witness to their innate talents, passions for growth, and determination for success.

    “My sincere desire is that every Nigerian youth will have the needed enablement to explore and develop their talents, and skills and live to fulfill their dreams, and by so doing, help to contribute to the development of our nation.”

  • FULL LIST: Final shortlist for CAF Awards 2023

    FULL LIST: Final shortlist for CAF Awards 2023

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the final three nominees for all categories in the 2023 CAF Awards, just days before the ceremony in Morocco on Monday, December 11.

    The ultimate winner of each category will be decided by votes from a panel consisting of the CAF Technical Committee, media professionals from Member Associations, Head Coaches and captains of Member Associations and clubs involved in the group stages of the Interclub competitions and will be announced at the Palais des Congrès, Movenpick, Marrakech, Morocco.

    Here’s a full list of the final nominees (in alphabetic order by Member Association):

    Player of the Year (Men)

    Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool)

    Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain)

    Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Napoli)

    Player of the Year (Women)

    Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria, Barcelona)

    Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa, Racing Louisville)

    Barbara Banda (Zambia, Shanghai Shengli)

    Interclub Player of the Year (Men)

    Fiston Mayele (DR Congo, Pyramids)

    Peter Shalulile (Namibia, Mamelodi Sundowns)

    Percy Tau (South Africa, Al Ahly)

    Interclub Player of the Year (Women)

    Refilwe Tholakele (Botswana, Mamelodi Sundowns)

    Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR)

    Lebohang Ramalepe (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)

    Coach of the Year (Men)

    Abdelhak Benchika (Algeria, Simba SC)

    Walid Regragui (Morocco)

    Aliou Cisse (Senegal)

    Coach of the Year (Women)

    Reynald Pedros (Morocco)

    Desiree Ellis (South Africa)

    Jerry Tshabalala (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)

    Goalkeeper of the Year (Men)

    Andre Onana (Cameroon, Manchester United)

    Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt, Al Ahly)

    Yassine Bounou (Morocco, Al Hilal)

    Goalkeeper of the Year (Women)

    Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco, AS FAR)

    Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)

    Andile Dlamini (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)

    Young Player of the Year (Men)

    Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Morocco, Real Betis)

    Lamine Camara (Senegal, Metz)

    Amara Diouf (Senegal, Metz)

    Young Player of the Year (Women)

    Comfort Yeboah (Ghana, Ampem Darkoa)

    Nesryne El Chad (Morocco, Lille)

    Deborah Abiodun (Nigeria, Pittsburgh Panthers)

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Oshoala, Nnadozie make Women’s Best  Player Top 10

    National Team of the Year (Men)

    Gambia

    Morocco

    Senegal

    National Team of the Year (Women)

    Morocco

    Nigeria

    South Africa

    Club of the Year (Men)

    Al Ahly (Egypt)

    Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)

    Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

    Club of the Year (Women)

    AS FAR (Morocco)

    Sporting Casablanca (Morocco)

    Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

  • CAF Awards: Ordega, Kgatlana challenge Oshoala for 2018 women’s best player

    Super Falcons’ forward, Francisca Ordega and South African Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana are the two front-runners to challenge reigning queen, Asisat Oshoala from clinching her 4th crown after CAF announced them for the African Women’s Player of the Year, AOIFootball.com reports.

    The three made the cut after a performance-filled year which saw them make headlines at both club and national levels, with Ordega and Oshoala helping Nigeria retain the African Women Cup of Nations in Ghana last year.

    Oshoala, winner for the past two years and with three titles overall (2014, 2016, 2017) has her sight on a fourth title to equal the feat of compatriot Perpetua Nkwocha who won it 2004, 2005, 2010 and 2011.

    The 24-year-old helped Nigeria to successively defend her title during the Total Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Ghana last December and was also instrumental for her club side as they claimed their second successive league title.

    Ordega on her part earned herself cult status following her exploits at the AWCON and in the USA, where she plies her trade with Washington Spirits.

    The 25-year old wowed fans with her pacey runs from the wings as Nigeria cruised to the title. South African forward Kgatlana, 22, was the star of the last AWCON, scooping the Most Valuable Player and Top scorer accolades as Banyana Banyana reached the final.

    This is her second nomination at this level as she hopes to become the second South African after Noko Matlou won it in 2008.

  • CAF AWARDS: Iwobi, Oshoala, Ndidi lead Nigeria’s charge

    Super Eagles’ forward, Alex Iwobi is Nigeria’s only hope of winning the 2018 African Footballer of the Year Award as he made it to the final 10 nominees for the award after the duo of Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa were dropped from the initial 34 earlier released by CAF.

    Iwobi will have to contend with reigning champion Mohammed Salah, Gunners teammate Aubemeyang and of course, Senegal’s Saido Mane who are all favourites for the award.

    In the young player category, Super Eagles’ and Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi remains on course to claim his first CAF award after the Nigerian made the final three nominations alongside Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Franck Kessie of Ivory Coast.

    It was, however, all good for Nigeria in the women’s category with three-time African Footballer of the Year, Asisiat Oshoala making the cut with Francisca Ordega and defender Onome Ebi. Desire Oparanozie was dropped from the initial list.

    2018 AWCON MVP and highest goal score Christina Thembi Kgatlana will definitely be the favourite to dislodge Oshoala after the South African forward impressed at the recently concluded championship in Ghana.

    Similarly, Nigeria female national team, the Super Falcons have also been shortlisted for the team of the year, while head coach Thomas Dennerby also makes the cut for the coach of the year award.

    The shortlisted nominees were decided by votes from the members of the CAF Technical & Development Committee.

    The final phase will involve votes from CAF media experts, legends, coaches of the quarter-finalists of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, and coaches and captains of the 54 member associations.

    The Awards Gala will be held on January 8, 2019 in Dakar, Senegal.