In line for first Goalkeeper to become Africa Women’s Player of the Year

Image Credit: CAFonline

By Ed Emeanua

Nigeria and Paris FC goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, is on the cusp of becoming the first goalkeeper to be crowned Africa Women’s Player of the Year.

Nnadozie and four other players are the final nominees unveiled by Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) for the coveted best woman player of the continent award.

The others vying with Nnadozie for the prestigious CAF Women’s Player of the Year include the sensational Malawian sisters forward Tabitha Chawinga of Lyon and Temwa Chawinga who plays for Kansas City Current, Morocco and AS FAR forward Sanaâ Mssoudy, and Zambia and Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda.

Since its inception in 2001, no goalkeeper has been awarded the eventual nominee of CAF Women’s Player of the Year.

Former Ghanaian midfielder and captain Adjoa Bayor (2003) and versatile South Africa defender and striker Noko Matlou (2008), who currently plays for Spanish Primera Federación side CP Cacereño Femenino as a defender, are past awardees who have broken the mold.

Except the above mentioned duo, all past awards of the category of CAF Women’s Player of the Year have gone to individuals who play for club and country as either strikers or forwards.

According to CAFonline: “Five outstanding players have been shortlisted for the prestigious CAF Women’s Player of the Year,

“This year’s nominees reflect the excellence in women’s football across the continent after their impressive performances at club and national team level.

“The CAF Goalkeeper of the Year category includes five exceptional shot-stoppers while the Interclub Player of the Year category highlights five standout performers who shone during continental competitions.

“Emerging talents are celebrated in the CAF Young Player of the Year category featuring top nominees, while the CAF Women’s Coach of the Year category honors the technical brilliance of five coaches.

“The awards also recognize the contributions of national teams and clubs.

“The nominees for CAF Women’s National Team of the Year are Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and the Cameroon Under-20 side, while Club of the Year contenders include TP Mazembe (DR Congo), AS FAR (Morocco), and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa).

“The winners of each category will be determined through votes from the CAF Technical Committee, media professionals, head coaches and captains of Member Associations, as well as clubs participating in the group stages of Interclub competitions.

The Nigerian goalkeeper is the reigning CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year awardee. She won the category of the award in 2023 and is also among the final five individuals that have been selected for the award this year.

The others vying for the award with her in the goalkeeping category are: Fideline Ngoy (DR Congo / TP Mazembe), Habiba Sabry (Egypt / FC Masar), Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco / AS FAR), and Andile Dlamini (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns).

The 2024 CAF Awards cover the period from January to October this year. The ceremony is to be staged on 16 December, 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco.

Full List of Nominees (in alphabetical order by Member Association):

Player of the Year (Women)