Lookman and Nnadozie Headline Nigeria’s Finalists for CAF Awards

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman and Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie are at the forefront of Nigeria’s bid for glory at the upcoming CAF Awards. The prestigious event is set to take place on Monday, December 16, at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.

Nnadozie, the Paris FC goalkeeper, is in contention for two significant accolades. She has been shortlisted for the Women’s Player of the Year award alongside Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Zambia’s Babra Banda. Additionally, Nnadozie is a strong favorite to retain her title as Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, further cementing her reputation as one of Africa’s finest in the position.

In the men’s category, Lookman faces stiff competition for the Men’s Player of the Year award. The 27-year-old Nigerian international is up against Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Both Lookman and Nnadozie aim to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Victor Osimhen, the reigning Men’s Player of the Year, and Asisat Oshoala, the record six-time Women’s Player of the Year winner.

Nigeria’s national teams also feature prominently in the awards. The Super Eagles have been nominated for the CAF National Team of the Year award, alongside AFCON 2023 champions Ivory Coast and South Africa. Their nomination stems from their impressive AFCON campaign in Ivory Coast, where they progressed through the group stages, defeated Cameroon, Angola, and South Africa, and narrowly lost to the hosts in the final. The team also topped their group during the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

Similarly, the Super Falcons are vying for the Women’s National Team of the Year award. They are up against Morocco and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana. Despite a relatively quiet 2024, the Falcons represented Africa at the Olympics, where they faced tough opposition from Brazil, Spain, and Japan in the group stages. They later recorded a double-header victory over Algeria and concluded the year with a narrow 2-1 loss to France.

The spotlight on Nigerian women’s football extends beyond Nnadozie and the Falcons. Falconets and Rivers Angels forward Chiamaka Okwuchukwu has been named among the final three for the Women’s Young Player of the Year award. She is competing with FC Masar’s Habiba Sabry and Asfar’s Doha El Madani. Okwuchukwu shone brightly at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, scoring two goals and providing an assist to help Nigeria reach the Round of 16.

Adding to the impressive nominations, Nigeria Women Football League champions Edo Queens are in the running for the Women’s Club of the Year award. They face competition from CAF Women’s Champions League winners TP Mazembe and Asfar.

As the CAF Awards approach, the stage is set for a night of celebration and recognition of African football excellence. Nigerian football fans eagerly await the outcomes, hoping for a clean sweep by their representatives in various categories.

Shallipopi Ends Ties with Dapper Music, Cites Financial Mismanagement

Nigerian music sensation Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has officially severed ties with his record label, Dapper Music, amid allegations of financial mismanagement and exploitation.

The “Elon Musk” hitmaker announced his departure via an emotional statement shared on Instagram on December 11, 2024. Shallipopi accused the label of mishandling his finances and breaching his trust, describing the decision to leave as difficult but necessary.

“I’m officially ending my agreements with Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital. This wasn’t a choice I made lightly, but it’s a step I had to take after my trust was broken, my finances mishandled, and my rights as an artist were disregarded,” he wrote.

Shallipopi further emphasized that his move was about more than his personal experience, stating:

“This is bigger than just me. It’s about every artist and creator who pours their soul into their work, only to face betrayal and exploitation from people who should be looking out for them. It’s about standing up for fairness, integrity, and the respect that we all deserve.”

Allegations of Exploitation

The artist revealed that Dapper Music pushed him into agreements with Dvpper Digital, a company owned by the same stakeholders, prioritizing profits over his career development. He alleged that advances meant for him were diverted by the label without his knowledge or approval, resulting in mounting debts under his name.

“Instead of prioritizing my growth, they prioritized their own profits, putting my career and dreams at risk,” he explained. “Dvpper Digital Limited would give advances to Dapper Music under my name and catalogue, while Dapper Music squandered the funds, leaving me in the dark. The debt has now accrued to a significant amount that we are still trying to ascertain.”

Shallipopi has since removed all references to Dapper Music from his social media profiles and unfollowed the label’s leadership.

A New Chapter: Plutomania Records

In the wake of his exit, Shallipopi has launched his own record label, Plutomania Records. The new venture already boasts rising stars Zerry DL and Tega Boi as its first signees, signaling the artist’s commitment to fostering talent and building a legacy on his own terms.

The move reflects Shallipopi’s determination to take control of his career and chart his own path in the Nigerian music industry.

Industry Shake-up

Shallipopi’s departure from Dapper Music follows a similar exit by another prominent artist, Seyi Vibez, earlier this year. Both cases highlight growing concerns over artist-label relationships and calls for greater transparency and fairness within the music industry.

As Shallipopi embarks on this new chapter, fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see how Plutomania Records reshapes the artist’s trajectory and influences the broader music landscape.