Super Falcons stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala have been left out of the shortlist for the Women’s Player of the Year award at the 2026 CAF Awards.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled 10 nominees for the individual honour, with players from seven countries making the list.
Their omission means Nigeria will have no representative in this year’s race for the Women’s Player of the Year award.
Cameroon has the highest number of nominees, with three players included following their performances in women’s football.
The country is represented by Marie Ngah Manga, Michaely Bihina and Monique Ngock. Algeria’s Marine Dafeur and Ghana’s Portia Boakye also made the shortlist.
Malawi has two nominees in sisters Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga, while Morocco’s Hanane Ait El Haj, South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Zambia’s Barbra Banda complete the list.
Banda, who has established herself as one of Africa’s leading female footballers, will be among the contenders for the continental individual honour.
Full List of Women’s Player of the Year Nominees
- Marine Dafeur (Algeria)
- Marie Ngah Manga (Cameroon)
- Michaely Bihina (Cameroon)
- Monique Ngock (Cameroon)
- Portia Boakye (Ghana)
- Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi)
- Temwa Chawinga (Malawi)
- Hanane Ait El Haj (Morocco)
- Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa)
- Barbra Banda (Zambia)
The 2026 CAF Awards will recognise outstanding performances by players, coaches and teams across African football.
