Nigerian football stars Ademola Lookman, and Chiamaka Nnadozie headline the country’s aspirations at the 2024 CAF Awards, set to take place on Monday, December 16, in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Both players are on the final shortlist in their respective categories, with Nnadozie also contesting for two awards.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons’ goalkeeper and Paris FC standout, is in contention for the Women’s Player of the Year award alongside Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Zambia’s Babra Banda.
Nnadozie is also a strong favourite to retain her Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year title, a testament to her remarkable performances over the past year.
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, who has had a stellar season with Atalanta, is competing in the Men’s Player of the Year category.
The 27-year-old faces stiff competition from Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.
Should Nnadozie and Lookman succeed, they will follow in the footsteps of Victor Osimhen, who won the Men’s Player of the Year award last year, and Asisat Oshoala, the record six-time winner of the Women’s Player of the Year award.
Both the Super Eagles and Super Falcons are on the shortlist for the National Team of the Year awards.
The Super Eagles earned their nomination following their impressive run to the AFCON 2023 final in Ivory Coast, where they narrowly lost to the hosts.
The Super Falcons, despite a challenging year, earned their spot after representing Africa at the Olympics and defeating Algeria and France in recent friendlies.
Additionally, Falconets and Rivers Angels forward Chiamaka Okwuchukwu is a contender for the Women’s Young Player of the Year award.
Edo Queens, Nigeria’s Women Football League champions, are also in the race for the Women’s Club of the Year title.
The CAF Awards ceremony will take place at the Palais des Congrès, Marrakesh, Morocco.
Nigerian football fans will be hoping for a successful outing for their representatives as the event celebrates Africa’s best in football.