Oshoala, Nnadozie, Abiodun make CAF Football Awards shortlist

Three members of the Nigerian women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, have earned spots on the shortlist for this year’s Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Football Awards. The awards ceremony is set to take place on December 11 in Marrakech, Morocco. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, midfielder Deborah Abiodun, and forward Asisat Oshoala are finalists in their respective categories.

Chiamaka Nnadozie, currently playing for Paris FC in France, is a nominee for the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award. Her exceptional performances, especially during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, have earned her recognition. Nnadozie faces competition from Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini.

Deborah Abiodun, a promising talent who gained attention at the World Cup, is vying for the CAF Young Player of the Year (Women) award. She continues to impress with the University of Pittsburgh women’s program in the United States. Abiodun’s competitors in this category include Nesryne El Chad of Morocco and Ghanaian defender Comfort Yeboah.

Asisat Oshoala, a prolific forward for Barcelona Femení, is in the running for an unprecedented sixth CAF African Women’s Footballer of the Year award. Oshoala played a crucial role in her club’s league title last season and remains a talismanic presence for Nigeria. Her fellow nominees are South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Zambian striker Barbra Banda.

The Super Falcons are hopeful of securing additional honors for Nigerian women’s football during the gala in Marrakech. Their nominations reflect the positive impact of their strong performance at the World Cup, resonating across the continent and beyond.