BY Milcah Tanimu
No fewer than seven Super Falcons players have been nominated for the women’s categories of the CAF Player of The Year Award, according to PUNCH Sports Extra. The list is predominantly Nigerian, featuring Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, Toni Payne, Christy Ucheibe, Osinachi Ohale, and Uchenna Kanu.
The Super Falcons had a notable year, reaching the round of 16 in the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, narrowly missing the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout loss to England.
Individually, several members of the team excelled at the club level. Rasheedat Ajibade, a key figure for Atletico Madrid, scored nine goals in 28 games for the Spanish club last season. Toni Payne, a consistent player for Sevilla Women, contributed three goals and four assists in 28 appearances.
Asisat Oshoala, also nominated for the Ballon d’Or, played a crucial role in Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League triumph and La Liga victory, recording 21 goals and three assists in 28 appearances.
In a groundbreaking move, the best women’s goalkeeper will be honored for the first time. Chiamaka Nnadozie, a standout for Paris FC, is among the favorites, having helped her team qualify for the Champions League group stage.
CAF has also nominated players for various categories such as Interclub Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, National Team of the Year, and Young Player of the Year. The CAF Women’s Champions League finalists have secured spots in the Club of the Year category.
The Awards Gala is scheduled for December 11 in Marrakech, Morocco, with the presence of distinguished figures from African football.
