The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has publicly endorsed Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie for the coveted CAF Player of the Year awards in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. The awards ceremony, held in Marrakech, Morocco, sees Nigeria vying for seven accolades, highlighting the nation’s footballing prowess on both the continental and global stages. The NFF has expressed strong confidence in Lookman’s chances, asserting that his accomplishments outshine those of his fellow nominees, including Simon Adingra, Achraf Hakimi, Serhou Guirassy, and Ronwen Williams. Nnadozie, a key figure in the Super Falcons’ successes, is also nominated for the Women’s Player of the Year award and is a strong contender for a consecutive win as the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year. A victory for both Lookman and Nnadozie would mark the third time Nigeria has claimed both top individual awards, following previous wins by Nwankwo Kanu and Mercy Akide-Udoh in 1999, and Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala in 2023.
Ademola Lookman’s claim to the men’s award rests on his significant contributions to both club and country. His three goals and two assists were instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the AFCON final, while his hat-trick secured Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League triumph against Bayer Leverkusen. His impressive form has continued into the current season with 11 goals and five assists in 18 appearances for Atalanta, including a goal against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. Furthermore, he played a crucial role in Nigeria’s qualification for the 35th AFCON finals, scoring two goals, with two others controversially disallowed. This combination of consistent performance and crucial contributions makes him a strong contender for the prestigious award.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons’ goalkeeper, has also had a stellar year, solidifying her place as a leading figure in African women’s football. Her performances were crucial in Nigeria’s qualification for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after a 16-year absence and their securing a spot in the next AFCON. Her consistent excellence at club level with Paris FC has garnered widespread acclaim, further strengthening her candidacy for both the Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year awards. Nnadozie’s potential victory would underscore the depth of talent within the Super Falcons and Nigerian women’s football as a whole.
Beyond the individual awards, Nigeria’s national teams, both men’s and women’s, are also nominated for the National Team of the Year award. The Super Eagles are up against AFCON 2023 champions Ivory Coast and South Africa, while the Super Falcons face competition from Morocco and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana. These nominations reflect the strong performances of both teams on the international stage, further showcasing Nigeria’s footballing strength across both genders. The Super Eagles’ run to the AFCON final and the Super Falcons’ consistent dominance in African women’s football demonstrate their competitiveness and potential to claim the coveted team award.
Furthermore, the rising star of Nigerian women’s football, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, is among the final three contenders for the Women’s Young Player of the Year award. Her impressive performance at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, including two goals and one assist, despite the Falconets’ early exit, highlights her potential and future prospects. She competes against Habiba Sabry and Doha El Madani for the award. Okwuchukwu’s nomination underlines the strength of Nigeria’s youth development programs and the emergence of promising talents who could shape the future of the women’s game.
Finally, Edo Queens, the Nigeria Women Football League champions, are in contention for the Women’s Club of the Year award, competing against CAF Women’s Champions League winners TP Mazembe and Asfar. This nomination acknowledges the club’s dominance in the domestic league and their contribution to the growth of women’s club football in Nigeria. Edo Queens’ success signifies the increasing competitiveness and professionalism of the women’s league, further enhancing Nigeria’s reputation in African football. Their presence amongst the nominees highlights the progress being made in developing and supporting women’s club football in the country.
In summary, Nigeria’s strong representation at the CAF Awards, with nominations across various categories, underscores the nation’s footballing prowess and its continued development across both men’s and women’s football. The potential victories for Lookman, Nnadozie, and the national teams would further solidify Nigeria’s position as a leading footballing nation in Africa. The recognition of young talents like Okwuchukwu and the success of clubs like Edo Queens demonstrate the depth of talent and the promising future of Nigerian football. The awards ceremony serves as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent within Nigerian football, from the grassroots level to the international stage.
