Julius OkorieAhead of Monday’s much awaited CAF Awards billed for the city of Marrakech Morocco, there are strong indications that Nigeria and Nigerians stand a good chance of emerging victorious in the various categories of contest.
Recall that Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Galatasaray talisman is current African footballer of the year while Asisat Oshoala is current African women footballer of the year.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBoth players are on the verge of being replaced by new players following assessment of performances in the last one year. Interestingly Super Eagles and Atalanta star, Ademola Lookman, is runing for the African footballer of the year and will be replacing compatriot, Victor Osimhen, should he emerge victorious.
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This year’s contest has been the toughest with five players still in the running at a time it should have come down to final three. The five remaining players namely; Simon Adingra of Cote d Ivoire, Serhou Guirassy of Guinea,Achraf Hakimi of Morocco, Ademola Lookman of Nigeria and Ronwen Williams of South Africa, performed so well within the period under consideration that it has become difficult to easily settle for one. But a final choice is inevitable with just 72 hours to go.
Interestingly, Achraf Hakimi of Morocco was part of the last three last year alongside Mohamed Salah before Victor Osimhen emerged winner. Should Lookman emerge victorious, he will join the league of Nigerian great players who have clinched the title in the past including Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amuneke, late Rashidi Yekini, and Victor Ikpeba and of course Victor Osimhen.
In the women’s category, Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Chiedozie, is locked in battle against Babara Banda of Zambia and Sanaa Mssoudy of Morocco. This is equally a tough one, considering the performance of the three contenders.
These three outstanding players shone throughout the year and in their own way, have embodied the excellence and passion of African football. The winner in this category will takeover the reign from Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala.
Here is a look at their report card:
ARBRA BANDA (ZAMBIA)
The year 2024 has been synonymous with memorable exploits for Zambia’s Copper Queens.
During the Paris Olympic Games, Banda, 24, made history by becoming the first player to score a third hat-trick at the Olympics after her two brilliant previous performances in Japan three years earlier.
In her first season in the National Women’s Soccer League, the Zambian captain caused a sensation by scoring the decisive goal in the final of the playoffs, one of 17 she managed in 25 games.
This earned her the title of the championship’s Most Valuable Player of 2024, thus confirming her status as an exceptional player.
SANAÂ MSSOUDY (MOROCCO)
Named the Best Player of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, Mssoudy lit up the competition with her exceptional performances, playing a key role in her team’s run to the final.
With her vision for the game, her refined technique and offensive instinct, she knew how to make the difference during crucial moments.
Her leadership on the pitch, combined with her unfailing determination, inspired her teammates and won over the fans.
This recognition crowns an exceptional year, marked by her commitment and her contribution to the influence of women’s football in Africa.
CHIAMAKA NNADOZIE (NIGERIA)
In this new season, Nnadozie continues to confirm her status as a world-class goalkeeper.
With regular top performances and decisive saves, she has asserted herself as a crucial figure for Paris FC in France’s Division 1 Féminine.
Her clean sheet ratio of 33% testifies to his efficiency and the ability to keep the team in title contention, providing reassuring security at the back.
The 24-year-old was named Goalkeeper of the Season in the 2023/24 Division 1 Féminine as her side finished third in the league.
She also represented Nigeria at the Paris Olympic Games and as the season progresses, she hopes to continue to push her limits and play an instrumental role in her team’s future success.
National Team Category:
In the Men and women national teams of the year, Super Eagles and Super Falcons look good as they clash against Elephants of Cote d Ivoire who clinched the last AFCON on home soil after a tough battle against Super Eagles of Nigeria. Bafana Bafana are also in the race
For the Women’s National Team of the Year, the Super Falcons face stiff competition from South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, who have been a formidable presence in women’s football, and the Atlas Lionesses from Morocco, who have also made impressive strides on the continental stage.
In terms of achievements, the Super Eagles had a commendable run in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, finishing as runners-up. They reached the final but fell short against the hosts, the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire, losing the match 2-1 in a fiercely contested encounter that showcased their tenacity and skill throughout the tournament.
On the other hand, the Super Falcons encountered a challenging tournament in the 2024 Olympic Games held in Paris, France, where they, unfortunately, were unable to progress beyond the group stage, a setback that highlighted areas needing improvement as they strive to regain their dominant position in African women’s football.
Certainly all eyes will be on Marrakech to see where the pendulum swings.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
