Marrakech, Morocco – The grandeur of African football reached its pinnacle recently, as Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala claimed the spotlight, seizing the most coveted titles at the prestigious CAF Awards ceremony. The event which took place in Marrakech proved to be a glorious night for Africa.
Osimhen, the trailblazing Nigerian striker celebrated for his stellar performances in Italy’s football arena and his compelling contributions donning the Super Eagles’ jersey, clinched his maiden CAF African Player of the Year honor. His triumph marked a defining moment in his illustrious career, triumphing over fierce competition from Moroccan luminary Achraf Hakimi and Egyptian sensation Mohammed Salah.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s football luminary, Asisat Oshoala, etched her name in history by securing an unprecedented sixth CAF African Women’s Player of the Year Award. Her unparalleled dominance persisted as she propelled Barcelona to Champions League glory, emerging as the club’s leading scorer with an astonishing 27 goals across all competitions.
The accolades continued to shower upon remarkable talents across the African football landscape. Walid Regragui, the coach guiding Morocco’s national team, rightfully claimed the title of CAF’s Best Coach of the Year in the men’s category. His commendable leadership led the Atlas Lions to a groundbreaking World Cup semi-final run in Qatar.
In coaching brilliance within the women’s category, South Africa’s own Desiree Ellis stood tall, securing her fourth consecutive Best Coach award for her exceptional stewardship of Banyana Banyana since 2018.
The saga of excellence extended further as Percy Tau of South Africa, alongside Al Ahly’s prowess, emerged victorious, clinching the prestigious CAF InterClub Player of the Year titles. Additionally, the meteoric rise of young talents didn’t go unnoticed, with Senegal’s Lamine Camara and Morocco’s Nesryne El Chad claiming the Young Player of the Year accolades in their respective categories.
National glory also found its deserving recipients, with Morocco’s triumphant World Cup display earning them the Men’s National Team of the Year award, while Nigeria soared to claim the Women’s National Team of the Year honour.
The landscape of club supremacy witnessed Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly securing the Male Club of the Year accolade, while South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns triumphed in the women’s category.
Celebrating the brightest stars in African football, the continent’s best XI players were unveiled, highlighting South Africa’s dominance in the women’s category and featuring pivotal members of Morocco’s historic World Cup semi-final team in the male version.
The determination of these exceptional talents was underscored by a rigorous selection process involving a panel comprising CAF Technical Committee members, head coaches, national team captains, and esteemed media professionals.
The evening’s crescendo of triumphs and honours showcased the sheer brilliance spirit of Africa’s sporting talents, leaving a golden mark on the grand stage of global football. It was indeed a glorious night, not just for the winners but for all lovers of the beautiful game and indeed every African.
Full List of Award Winners:
- Player of the Year (Men): Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Napoli)
- Player of the Year (Women): Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria, Barcelona)
- Interclub Player of the Year (Men): Percy Tau (South Africa, Al Ahly)
- Interclub Player of the Year (Women): Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR)
- Coach of the Year (Men): Walid Regragui (Morocco)
- Coach of the Year (Women): Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
- Goalkeeper of the Year (Men): Yassine Bounou (Morocco, Al Hilal)
- Goalkeeper of the Year (Women): Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)
- Young Player of the Year (Men): Lamine Camara (Senegal, Metz)
- Young Player of the Year (Women): Nesryne El Chad (Morocco, Lille)
- National Team of the Year (Men): Morocco
- National Team of the Year (Women): Nigeria
- Club of the Year (Men): Al Ahly (Egypt)
- Club of the Year (Women): Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
