The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the top five nominees across various categories for the 2024 CAF Awards. This announcement has heightened excitement among football enthusiasts, especially with Nigerian stars Ademola Lookman and Stanley Nwabali making the cut for two major awards.
The annual event celebrates exceptional performances across African football, and this year’s ceremony is scheduled to take place on December 16, 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco. With a lineup of talented players and teams, this year’s awards promise to honor the best contributions to African football over the past year.
Nigerians in the Spotlight
Ademola Lookman, who currently plays for Italian side Atalanta, is among the five nominees for the prestigious CAF Men’s Player of the Year award. His exceptional performances at the club and national levels have positioned him as a strong contender.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, representing South Africa’s Chippa United, has been shortlisted for the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award. Nwabali’s consistent form has earned him recognition, making Nigeria proud on the international stage.
Other Nigerian Representation
The Super Eagles are also in contention for the National Team of the Year award, where they face tough competition from Ivory Coast, South Africa, DR Congo, and Sudan. Nigeria’s dynamic performances in international competitions have kept the team in the spotlight.
Key Nominees Across Categories
Player of the Year
- Simon Adingra (Côte d’Ivoire / Brighton & Hove Albion): The young star has impressed with his versatility in England’s Premier League.
- Serhou Guirassy (Guinea / Borussia Dortmund): Guirassy’s stellar goal-scoring form in Europe has made him a standout figure.
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain): Known for his defensive prowess and attacking flair, Hakimi remains one of Africa’s finest.
- Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta): Lookman’s technical brilliance and decisive goals for both club and country have solidified his reputation.
- Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns): The South African captain’s leadership and shot-stopping abilities have been instrumental for his team.
Goalkeeper of the Year
- Andre Onana (Cameroon / Manchester United): Renowned for his reflexes and composure, Onana continues to dominate between the sticks.
- Yahia Fofana (Côte d’Ivoire / Angers SCO): Fofana’s reliability has made him a standout performer in his league.
- Mostafa Shobeir (Egypt / Al Ahly): The young goalkeeper has shown maturity beyond his years in key matches.
- Stanley Nwabali (Nigeria / Chippa United): Nwabali’s agility and crucial saves have been vital for his club.
- Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns): Williams’s commanding presence makes him a fan favorite.
Interclub Player of the Year
This category honors players excelling in African club competitions. The nominees include:
- Issoufou Dayo (Burkina Faso / RS Berkane)
- Ahmed Sayed ‘Zizo’ (Egypt / Zamalek)
- Hussein El Shahat (Egypt / Al Ahly)
- Mostafa Shobeir (Egypt / Al Ahly)
- Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)
Coach of the Year
Celebrating strategic brilliance, nominees include:
- Pedro Goncalves (Angola): His tactical innovations have redefined Angola’s football strategy.
- Emerse Fae (Côte d’Ivoire): Fae has guided his team with precision and determination.
- Sebastien Desabre (DR Congo): Desabre’s approach has revitalized his squad’s performances.
- Marcel Koller (Al Ahly): Koller’s leadership brought remarkable results for his team.
- Hugo Broos (South Africa): Broos’s influence on South African football has been transformative.
Young Player of the Year
Spotlighting rising talents, the finalists are:
- Karim Konate (Côte d’Ivoire / Salzburg): Konate’s goal-scoring prowess is turning heads in Europe.
- Oumar Diakite (Côte d’Ivoire / Reims): Diakite’s creativity in midfield is a delight to watch.
- Yankuba Minteh (Gambia / Brighton & Hove Albion): Minteh’s speed and skill have been impactful.
- Eliesse Ben Seghir (Morocco / AS Monaco): A promising talent with a bright future.
- Lamine Camara (Senegal / AS Monaco): Camara’s composure under pressure has earned him accolades.
Club of the Year
This category celebrates Africa’s most successful clubs:
- Al Ahly (Egypt): Dominant in continental competitions, they remain a powerhouse.
- Zamalek (Egypt): Consistency and talent define this iconic club.
- RS Berkane (Morocco): Their resilience has made them contenders.
- Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa): Known for their exciting playstyle and tactical ingenuity.
- Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia): A team with a rich history and formidable presence.
National Team of the Year
The finalists include:
- Côte d’Ivoire: Current African champions with a strong legacy.
- DR Congo: A team with undeniable passion and grit.
- Nigeria: A dynamic squad known for their attacking flair.
- South Africa: Marked by disciplined performances.
- Sudan: A team that has shown immense growth.
Anticipation Builds for December
As the countdown to the CAF Awards continues, fans and players alike eagerly await the outcome of this prestigious event. For Nigeria, the inclusion of Ademola Lookman, Stanley Nwabali, and the Super Eagles in key categories underscores the nation’s prominence in African football.
All eyes will be on Marrakech on December 16, 2024, as the continent celebrates the brilliance and dedication of its football stars.
