Fans Question Rasheedat Ajibade’s Omission from CAF Awards

Football enthusiasts have expressed shock over the exclusion of Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade from the final shortlist of the CAF Women’s Awards 2024. Despite her stellar performances for Atletico Madrid and Nigeria, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overlooked her for recognition, stirring debates across social media.

Ajibade’s Stellar Performance Ignored

Ajibade ended last season with 10 goals and four assists in 30 matches and has already netted five goals with two assists in eight games this season. Fans, including Fortunatus Stephen, Janet, and Stephen James, criticized her omission, calling it unjust and surprising.

Spotlight on Chiamaka Nnadozie

While Ajibade’s absence sparked outrage, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie garnered immense support to win the Best Goalkeeper award. Nnadozie, the Paris FC shot-stopper, competes against Fideline Ngoy (DR Congo), Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco), and Andile Dlamini (South Africa). Fans like Akanni Oluomo and Rajee predicted her dominance in the category for years to come.

Nigeria’s Strong Representation

Other Nigerian nominees include:

• Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (Young Player of the Year)
• Edo Queens (Women’s Club of the Year)
• Super Falcons (Women’s National Team of the Year)

Chris Danjuma (Women’s Coach of the Year)

Key Contenders in Player of the Year

In the Player of the Year category, Nnadozie faces tough competition from Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga (Malawi), Sanaâ Mssoudy (Morocco), and Barbra Banda (Zambia).

Award Ceremony in Marrakech

The CAF Women’s Awards winners will be decided by votes from the CAF Technical Committee, media professionals, and football stakeholders. The grand ceremony is set for December 16, 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco.

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