No Nigerian makes CAF women’s best player nomination list for the first time

No Nigerian player has been nominated for the 2026 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, marking the first time the shortlist has excluded a Super Falcons player since the award began in 2001.

CAF released the nominations on Tuesday, November 2. Nigeria’s absence follows the Super Falcons’ disappointing campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and their failure to qualify for the Women’s World Cup for the first time.

The Player of the Year nominees include Malawian sisters Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga, alongside Cameroon’s Marie Ngah Manga, Michaely Bihina and Monique Ngock. Zambia’s Barbra Banda, South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana, Morocco’s Hanane Ait El Haj, Algeria’s Marine Dafeur and Ghana’s Portia Boakye complete the list. Despite missing out on the leading individual award, Nigeria received nominations in other categories.

The Super Falcons were shortlisted for the Women’s National Team of the Year award, while Janet Akekoromowei and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi were nominated for the young talent prize. Edo Queens goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma was also named among the contenders for the goalkeeper award. The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled for December 7 at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.