CAF Awards: Two Super Falcons star to battle Kgatlana, Chawinga, others for POTY as Asisat Oshoala

Two Super Falcons stars, Chiamaka Nnadozie and Rasheedat Ajibade, have earned nominations for the 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, Soccernet.ng reports.

The recognition follows their outstanding performances for both club and country between January and October, stamping their places among Africa’s best talents in the women's category.

For the first time in years, reigning champion Asisat Oshoala, a multiple-time winner of the prestigious award, has missed out on a nomination.

The former Barcelona Femeni forward, who claimed the title last year, has been a dominant figure in the category since 2022.

Nigeria’s standout goalkeeper, Nnadozie, has been in phenomenal form. She played a crucial role for the Super Falcons during the 2024 Olympic qualifiers and the main tournament, earning her a chance to win the Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second consecutive time.

Her heroics also extended to her club, Paris FC, where she helped the French side reach the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Ajibade, on the other hand, has been a pivotal figure for Atlético Madrid and the Super Falcons. The forward was instrumental in securing Nigeria’s qualification for the 2024 Olympics after a 16-year absence.

At her club, she delivered consistently, winning Player of the Month awards in March and September, which further reveal her impact.

The 2024 CAF Awards ceremony will take place on December 16 in Morocco, where Africa’s finest footballers will be celebrated.

Nnadozie and Ajibade will face tough competition from other nominees in the Women’s Player of the Year category, including:

• Sandrine Niyonkuru (Burundi / FC Masar)
• Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi / Olympique Lyonnais)
• Temwa Chawinga (Malawi / Kansas City)
• Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR)
• Jermaine Seoposenwe (South Africa / Monterrey)
• Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa / Tigres UANL)
• Barbara Banda (Zambia / Orlando Pride)
• Racheal Kundananji (Zambia / Bay FC)