CAF Awards: Ademola Lookman, Brabra Banda Lead Nominees to Win African Footballer of the Year (Men and Women)

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will host its annual awards ceremony on Monday in Marrakech, Morocco, honouring the continent’s top players, coaches, and teams. The highly anticipated African Footballer of the Year award has five contenders, but Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman is tipped to take home the coveted prize.

Lookman’s impressive performance in the Europa League final, where he scored a hat-trick, makes him the standout candidate. His creativity and inventiveness were instrumental in Nigeria’s unexpected run to the Africa Cup of Nations final.

“It’s just timing. That consistency has come into my game, allowing me to improve and show my qualities,” Lookman said in a recent interview.

Other nominees include Achraf Hakimi, who won a French league-and-cup double with Paris Saint-Germain, and Ronwen Williams, the Africa-based goalkeeper who impressed at the Nations Cup.

Serhou Guirassy, Guinea’s prolific striker, and Simon Adingra, the Ivorian prospect, complete the shortlist.

However, many question the omission of notable players like Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen, and Riyad Mahrez. The selection process has caused great controversy, with some arguing that the performances of the Africa Cup of Nations are given too much unnecessary weight.

Zambia’s prolific striker Barbra Banda is the favourite to win the African Women’s Footballer of the Year award.

The ceremony will take place at Le Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday, December 16, at 19:00 Moroccan time.

The event will be live-streamed on CAF’s official website and YouTube channel, with SuperSport broadcasting in South Africa and across the continent. Fans can vote on the organisation’s website for the CAF Goal of the Year award.

This year’s ceremony promises to be an exciting celebration of African football’s finest talents.

Will Nigeria’s superstar, Ademola Lookman, emerge as the continent’s top player, or will one of the other nominees pull off an upset? Tell us what you think in the “Conversation Section” below.

The Nominees

FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)

Here is a reminder of the players that are still in the running for the Men’s Player of the Year prize. One of them will be replacing Victor Osimhen of Nigeria who took the coveted prize last year.

• Simon Adingra (Cote D’Ivoire / Brighton & Hove Albion, England): Winger Adingra played a crucial role for Cote d’Ivoire in their 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations title. He scored a 90th-minute equaliser in the quarter-finals against Mali and provided two assists in the final against Nigeria. Adingra was named Best Young Player at the tournament. He has also been a key performer for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, contributing to their young squad.
• Serhou Guirassy (Guinea / Borussia Dortmund, Germany)
  Guirassy, a 28-year-old forward, scored 30 goals in 28 Bundesliga games for Stuttgart in the 2023-24 season, surpassing the previous record set by Mario Gómez in 2008-09. He has since moved to Borussia Dortmund for the new campaign. Guirassy also scored 23 goals for both club and country in the period under review (January-October 2024), including a hat-trick for Guinea against Ethiopia in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers.
• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain, France: Hakimi, a consistent right-back in European football, helped Paris Saint-Germain win a third French Ligue 1 title in a row last season. He also helped Morocco win a bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games. Hakimi remains a key figure for the Morocco national team, playing in 14 internationals in 2024, including scoring at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Club: Atalanta, Italy): In 2024, Lookman played a crucial role in Atalanta’s success, leading them to a UEFA Europa League trophy win and a victory over Bayer Leverkusen. The 27-year-old scored a hat-trick in the final, marking one of the best final displays in European football history. He also helped Nigeria reach the final of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, where they lost to the hosts. Lookman’s performances and goals earned him the Team of the Tournament award. 
• Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa): Goalkeeper Williams’ penalty saves at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 will be remembered for guiding South Africa to the bronze medal. He helped Bafana Bafana qualify for the 2025 tournament and was FIFA’s best goalkeeper nominee in 2024. Williams also helped Mamelodi Sundowns set a record low of 11 goals conceded in 30 games in the South African Premiership, helping them win their seventh domestic league title in a row.

FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)

Who will succeed Nigeria legend Asisat Oshoala and become the 11th different winner of the CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award, earning the crown of Queen of African football?

After a rigorous voting process, the final three nominees for Women’s Player of the Year can be revealed with Zambia striker Barbra Banda, Morocco forward Sanaâ Mssoudy and Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie still in the running.

• Barbra Banda (Zambia / Orlando Pride, United States): Zambia’s Copper Queens captain, Banda, made history at the Paris Olympics by scoring a third hat-trick. After four years at Shanghai Shengli, she joined Orlando Pride in the US, becoming the second most expensive player in women’s football history. In her first season in the National Women’s Soccer League, she scored the decisive goal in the playoffs, earning her the title of Most Valuable Player of 2024. This achievement confirms her status as an exceptional player.
• Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco / Club: AS FAR, Morocco): Mssoudy, named Best Player of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, was praised for her exceptional performances. She led her team to the finals, and her vision, refined technique, and offensive instinct helped her team win. Her leadership and determination inspired teammates and won over fans, marking an exceptional year in women’s football in Africa. 
• Chiamaka Nnaedozie (Nigeria / Club: Paris FC, France): Nnadozie, a world-class goalkeeper, has consistently performed well for Paris FC in France’s Division 1 Féminine. She has kept the team in title contention with a clean sheet ratio of 33%. The 24-year-old was named Goalkeeper of the Season in 2023/24 Division 1 Féminine, and she represented Nigeria at the Paris Olympic Games. As the season progresses, she wants to push her limits and contribute to her team’s future success.

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)

• Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco / AS FAR): The 32-year-old helped Moroccan club AS FAR to the domestic championship and the final of the CAF Women’s Champions league. AS FAR won the regional UNAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
• Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Paris FC): Nnadozie, 24, had an outstanding season for French side Paris FC and was named Goalkeeper of the Season as her club finished third. She represented Nigeria at the Paris Olympic Games. 
• Andile Dlamini (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns): Dlamini, 32, helped Mamelodi Sundowns to their domestic league title, and continued to be a reliable option in goal for the side.

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR (MEN)

• Andre Onana (Cameroon / Manchester United): Onana has been a strong performer in a struggling Manchester United side and made the number one position his own since his arrival from Inter Milan. He lifted the FA Cup with victory over Manchester City in the May final.
• Yahia Fofana (Cote d’Ivoire / Angers SCO): Fofana, 24, played every minute as Cote d’Ivoire lifted the CAF Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil, including helping his team to a penalty shoot-out victory over Senegal in the round of 16. He also helped Angers to promotion to Ligue 1 in France.
• Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns): Williams’ superb saves at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 saw him nominated for FIFA’s best goalkeeper in 2024. The 32-year-old was a major reason why Bafana Bafana went home with the bronze medal. 

INTERCLUB PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)   

• Lacho Flora Marta (Angola / TP Mazembe): Angola attacker Marta, 26, played a major hand in TP Mazembe lifting the CAF Women’s Champions League title with her energetic displays. She won three Player of the Match awards for the Democratic Republic of Congo side.
• Doha El Madani (Morocco / AS FAR): The teenage forward won the Golden Boot at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League with six goals in five games to underline her status as a future star. The 19-year-old also helped AS FAR to the Moroccan domestic league title. 
• Sanaâ Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR): Mssoudy, 24, took home the Best Player award at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League as she narrowly failed to get her side to a trophy win. She remains a crucial player for club and country.

INTERCLUB PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)

• Ahmed Sayed ‘Zizo’ (Egypt / Zamalek): Helped Zamalek to the CAF Confederation Cup title with some commanding displays in midfield that included scoring four goals on the way to the trophy win. Also helped his side win the 2024 CAF Super Cup against rivals Al Ahly. 
• Hussein El Shahat (Egypt / Al Ahly): Helped Al Ahly to another Egyptian Premier League and CAF Champions League ‘Double’. He is an important player up front, not just for his goals but also his ability to bring others into play.
• Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns): One of three categories Williams is nominated in along with Men’s Player of the Year and Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year. He helped Mamelodi Sundowns to a record-extending seventh domestic league title in a row as they conceded a joint league record low of 11 goals in 30 games.

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN) 

• Habiba Sabry (Egypt /FC Masar): The 18-year-old starred for Egyptian side FC Masar in the CAF Women’s Champions League, where she showed her huge potential and won the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper. She played every minute of the campaign as they finished third, including helping them to a penalty shoot-out win in the bronze medal match. 
• Doha El Madani (Morocco / AS FAR): A second nomination for El Madani after she also made the short-list for Women’s CAF Interclub Player of the Year. Her performance at the CAF Women’s Champions League was outstanding.
• Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (Nigeria / Rivers Angels): The lively forward was a standout performer at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals and has also showed that form with goals for the Nigeria at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024.   

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)

• Karim Konate (Cote d’Ivoire / Salzburg): The 20-year-old helped his Austrian side RB Salzburg into the UEFA Champions League this season with 20 goals in 22 league starts in the last campaign. That form earned him a place in the Cote d’Ivoire squad as they lifted the CAF Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil in February.
• Oumar Diakite (Cote d’Ivoire / Reims): Another 20-year-old who helped Cote d’Ivoire to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil as he scored the winner in a dramatic extra-time victory over Mali in the quarter-finals. He has had a strong 12 months with Reims in France’s Ligue 1.
• Lamine Camara (Senegal / AS Monaco): A versatile box-to-box midfielder, the 20-year-old has already made 23 appearances for a star-studded Senegal national team despite his tender age, which tells you everything you need to know about his quality. He recently moved to Ligue 1 side Monaco. 

COACH OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)

• Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe): Moroccan coach Boumehdi led TP Mazembe to the CAF Women’s Champions League title with victory over AS FAR in the final. She also took the team to the domestic title in 2024, and the UNIFFAC qualifier tournament for the CAF Women’s Champions League.
• Ahmed Ramadan (FC Masar): Ramadan led FC Masar to the bronze medal on debut at the CAF Women’s Champions League, where they surprised many with their organisation and technical excellence.
• Mohamed Amine Alioua (AS FAR): Alioua had been a winner of the CAF Women’s Champions League with AS FAR in 2022 but could not repeat the feat this time round as they lost to TP Mazembe in the final. But he has managed to develop an excellent squad of players with exciting youngsters.
• Thinasonke Mbuli (University of the Western Cape): Mbuli led South Africa’s University of the Western Cape to the COSAFA regional title of the CAF Women’s Champions League as they debuted at the continental finals.

COACH OF THE YEAR (MEN)

• Emerse Fae (Cote d’Ivoire): Fae started the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 finals as assistant coach to Jean-Louis Gasset but by the end of the tournament had led the side to a trophy win after the latter resigned at the end of the group stages. It was a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the side.
• Sebastien Desabre (DR Congo): The French coach has led Democratic Republic of Congo to some excellent results in 2024, including fourth place at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, where they knocked Egypt out along the way, and qualification for the next finals in Morocco next year.
• Hugo Broos (South Africa): Belgian Broos took South Africa to the bronze medal at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, their best result for 24 years, and a team record run of 19 games unbeaten in 2024 in all competitions. He also qualified them for the continental finals in Morocco next year.   

NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR (WOMEN) 

• Morocco: Morocco served up several fine victories as they narrowly missed out on Olympic Games qualification but had an otherwise dominant year, winning 10 of their 10 matches.
• Nigeria: The Super Falcons competed at the Paris Olympic Games and while it was tough going at the tournament, they showed the competitiveness of African women’s football against leading teams in the world. 
• South Africa: Narrowly edged out by Nigeria in Paris Olympic Games qualifying, Banyana Banyana performed strongly against England in October as they seek to bring through a new generation of players.

NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR (MEN)

• Cote d’Ivoire: Winners of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations on home soil after they scraped through the pool stages as the last of the best third-placed teams, this has been a remarkable year for Cote d’Ivoire.
• Nigeria: Nigeria reached the finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 but fell at the final hurdle. Despite this, they have qualified for the next continental showpiece in Morocco next year.
• South Africa: A team record 19 games unbeaten in all competitions since they lost their CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 opener to Mali but then went on to take bronze at the continental finals. They also eased to Morocco 2025 qualification. 

CLUB OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)

• TP Mazembe (DR Congo): Winners of the CAF Women’s Champions League and their domestic competition, Mazembe grew in strength as the continental finals went on showed their level of organisation to take the title.
• AS FAR (Morocco): Beaten finalists at the CAF Women’s Champions League, it was nonetheless another year of growth for the side who are likely to improve even further in the coming years.
• Edo Queens (Nigeria): The club finished fourth at the CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco edged on penalties by Egyptian side FC Masar in the bronze medal match.

CLUB OF THE YEAR (MEN)

• Al Ahly (Egypt): CAF Champions League winners for the fourth time in five years, Al Ahly proved their quality yet again as they also claimed the Egyptian Premier League and Egyptian Super Cup.
• Zamalek (Egypt): Zamalek claimed the CAF Confederation Cup title in 2023-24 and then defeated Cairo rivals Al Ahly to claim the CAF Super Cup. 
• Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa): Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a record-extending seventh domestic league title in a row, setting several new best marks along the way. They won the South African Premiership by 23 points from their nearest rivals.   

Comment, Like 👍, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.