The stage is set for the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony, which will take place on Monday, December 16, at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco. The highly anticipated event promises to reveal who will succeed Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala as the 11th different winner of the prestigious CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award and claim the crown of Queen of African football.
After a thorough voting process, the final three nominees for this coveted award have been revealed: Zambia’s Barbra Banda, Morocco’s Sanaâ Mssoudy, and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie. These three exceptional players have shone brightly throughout the year, each making a significant impact in both club and international football, and they now stand on the precipice of African football history.
Barbra Banda: The Record-Breaking Goal Machine
Zambian forward Barbra Banda has been one of the most electrifying players of 2024, both in international and club competitions. At just 24 years old, Banda has already made history on the global stage. She became the first player to score a third hat-trick at the Olympic Games after impressing during her previous Olympic appearances in Tokyo. This year, her incredible performances continued to steal the spotlight.
Banda's club career also reached new heights after her move to Orlando Pride in the United States, where she became the second most expensive player in women's football history. In her debut season in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Banda showcased her remarkable talent by scoring 17 goals in 25 appearances, including the decisive goal in the playoffs final. Her stunning performances earned her the title of NWSL Most Valuable Player of 2024, further solidifying her position as one of Africa’s brightest footballing stars.
Sanaâ Mssoudy: Morocco’s Magician and Champions League Hero
Sanaâ Mssoudy, the Moroccan forward, has been a revelation in 2024, marking an unforgettable year in the continental football scene. Playing for AS FAR in Morocco, Mssoudy delivered one of the most outstanding performances in the CAF Women’s Champions League, where she was named Best Player of the Tournament. Her exceptional skill and vision on the field were key factors in AS FAR’s remarkable journey to the final, where Mssoudy proved instrumental in her team’s quest for continental glory.
Her flair for the game, combined with her leadership, allowed Mssoudy to shine in the tournament, and her contributions earned her widespread recognition. With an eye for both creating and finishing chances, her offensive instincts and determination have become synonymous with success. Her performances not only elevated her team but also helped bring greater attention to the growth of women’s football in Africa.
Chiamaka Nnadozie: The Steel in Nigeria’s Goal
At 24, Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has firmly established herself as one of the top shot-stoppers in women’s football. Playing for Paris FC in France’s Division 1 Féminine, Nnadozie’s stellar performances throughout the season have confirmed her reputation as a world-class goalkeeper.
Nnadozie played a pivotal role in Paris FC's successful campaign, earning the title of Goalkeeper of the Season for the 2023/24 season in France. With a clean sheet ratio of 33%, Nnadozie’s consistency between the posts was crucial in helping her side finish third in the league. Her decisive saves, both in league matches and at international tournaments like the Paris Olympic Games, have underlined her importance to both club and country. With a bright future ahead, Nnadozie continues to be a rock for her team and a key player for Nigeria.
Who Will Be Crowned CAF Women’s Player of the Year?
The race for the 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year is fiercely competitive, with each of these nominees offering a unique contribution to African football. Barbra Banda has dazzled with her goalscoring prowess and record-breaking performances at both the international and club levels. Sanaâ Mssoudy has inspired with her leadership, vision, and crucial performances in continental competition. Meanwhile, Chiamaka Nnadozie has been a pillar of strength for both her club and her country, consistently delivering world-class performances as a goalkeeper.
The announcement of the winner will take place on December 16, 2024, at the CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech. As the evening draws closer, football fans around Africa will be eagerly awaiting the crowning of the next Queen of African football.
Who will it be? The final decision rests in the hands of the voters, but the talent on display promises an exciting future for African women’s football.
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