Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman and Zambia’s Barbra Banda emerged as the brightest stars at Monday night’s Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, marking a historic evening that celebrated the continent’s finest football talent. The prestigious event showcased remarkable achievements across African football, with multiple nations sharing in the glory.
Lookman’s coronation as CAF Men’s Player of the Year created a significant milestone for Nigerian football, marking the country’s first back-to-back victories in the men’s category since the legendary duo of Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba achieved the feat in 1996 and 1997. The Atalanta forward’s triumph reflects Nigeria’s continuing influence in African football.
South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams emerged as the night’s most decorated individual, claiming both the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year awards. His outstanding performances for Mamelodi Sundowns have set new standards for goalkeeping excellence on the continent.
The women’s category saw Zambia’s Barbra Banda crowned as the continent’s finest, following her exceptional year with Orlando Pride in the United States. Banda’s achievement was particularly notable, having helped her team secure both the NWSL Shield and Championship, while also setting an Olympic record with her third hat-trick in the tournament during Paris 2024.
Nigerian football had additional cause for celebration as Chiamaka Nnadozie of Paris FC secured the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, underlining the country’s depth of talent across both men’s and women’s football. The Super Falcons were also recognized as the Women’s National Team of the Year.
Côte d’Ivoire’s remarkable year was acknowledged with Emerse Fae winning Men’s Coach of the Year, while the national team claimed the Men’s National Team of the Year award. The success reflected their extraordinary journey through recent competitions.
Youth football received special recognition with Senegal’s Lamine Camara and Morocco’s Doha El Madani winning the Young Player of the Year awards in their respective categories, highlighting the bright future of African football.
Egyptian giants Al Ahly maintained their status as Africa’s premier club by securing the Men’s Club of the Year award, while DR Congo’s TP Mazembe claimed the women’s equivalent. The achievements of both clubs underscore the competitive nature of African club football.
The officiating fraternity saw Libya’s Mutaz Ibrahim and Morocco’s Bouchra Karboubi recognized as the top referees in the men’s and women’s categories respectively, acknowledging the crucial role of match officials in the sport’s development.
A special mention went to Mabululu of Angola, whose spectacular strike earned him the Goal of the Year award, adding a moment of individual brilliance to an evening celebrating collective excellence.
The ceremony not only celebrated current achievements but also set benchmarks for future generations of African footballers, demonstrating the continent’s growing influence in global football. The diverse spread of winners across different nations highlighted the expanding competitive landscape of African football, promising an exciting future for the sport across the continent.
