Nigerian Stars Shine Bright in CAF Men’s, Women’s Best XI
Nigerian footballers dominated the 2024 CAF Awards as six of the country’s stars were named in the CAF Men’s and Women’s Best XI during the ceremony held on Monday night in Marrakech, Morocco.
The Super Falcons had four representatives — Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Asisat Oshoala — in the Women’s XI, while Super Eagles duo Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen earned spots in the Men’s XI.
Nigeria’s total of six players across both teams marked the highest representation for any country, showcasing the nation’s footballing strength on the continent.
Alozie and Ohale were part of a formidable three-player defense in the Women’s XI. Despite narrowly missing out on individual honors, Ajibade’s consistent performances earned her a spot in the midfield, while Oshoala’s continued excellence secured her recognition once again.
On the men’s side, Lookman and Osimhen formed part of a dynamic front three. Lookman’s stellar year for club and country earned him further accolades, while Osimhen — the 2023 CAF Player of the Year — proved his worth with another outstanding season.
The CAF Men’s Best XI featured Manchester United and Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana, alongside a defense comprising Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly, and DR Congo’s Chancel Mbemba. Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus, Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat, Ivory Coast’s Franck Kessie, and Mali’s Yves Bissouma controlled the midfield, with Lookman, Osimhen, and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah leading the attack.
In the Women’s XI, South Africa’s Andile Dlamini was chosen as goalkeeper despite Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie winning the Goalkeeper of the Year award. Alozie and Ohale were joined in defense by South Africa’s Karabo Dhlamini, while their compatriots Lebohang Ramalepe and Linda Motlhalo were named in midfield. Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Zambia’s Barbra Banda rounded out the squad.
Nigeria’s strong representation underscores the country’s dominance in African football and the exceptional performances of its stars in 2024.