Category: Football

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards celebrate the exceptional talents and achievements in African football. Among the most prestigious honours is the African Player of the Year award, recognizing the continent’s top footballer annually.

Nigerian Recipients of the African Player of the Year Award

Nigeria has a rich history of producing world-class footballers who have been honoured with this prestigious award . As of December 16, 2024, Nigerian players have secured the African Player of the Year award eight times, with Ademola Lookman being the latest winner.

Here is a list of Nigerian players who have won the award:

Rashidi Yekini (1993)

Yekini was the first Nigerian to win the award in 1993, following his remarkable performances that led Nigeria to victory in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and a strong showing at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The legendary footballer passed on May 4th, 2012.

Emmanuel Amunike (1994)

Amunike clinched the title in 1994 after playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and contributing significantly to the national team’s success.

Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 1999)

Kanu is a two-time recipient, winning in 1996 and 1999. His exceptional skills were evident during his tenure with Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal, as well as his contributions to Nigeria’s Olympic gold medal in 1996.

Victor Ikpeba (1997)

Ikpeba earned the award in 1997, following impressive performances with AS Monaco and the Nigerian national team, particularly during the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Victor Osimhen (2023)

Osimhen was honored in 2023 after a stellar season with Napoli, where he played a crucial role in their Serie A triumph, and his consistent goal-scoring for the Nigerian national team.

Ademola Lookman (2024)

On December 16, 2024, Lookman became the seventh Nigerian to receive the award. His outstanding year included a hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final victory and significant contributions to Nigeria’s journey to the Africa Cup of Nations final, where he scored three goals.

Ademola Lookman’s remarkable year

Ademola Lookman’s achievements in 2024 have been nothing short of extraordinary. The 27-year-old forward, who plays for Atalanta in Italy’s Serie A, was instrumental in the club’s success, notably scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final. His domestic league performance was equally impressive, with 17 goals last season and 11 goals in the current campaign. On the international stage, Lookman role has been pivotal in Nigeria’s progression to the Africa Cup of Nations final, contributing three crucial goals during the tournament. 

Upon receiving the award, Lookman expressed immense pride and encouraged perseverance in pursuing dreams despite setbacks. His recognition marks a continuation of Nigeria’s legacy in African football, inspiring future generations of Nigerian footballers to strive for excellence on both continental and global stages.

Nigeria has long been a dominant force in African women’s football, and this is reflected in the number of times Nigerian female players have been honoured with the prestigious CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award. Since the award’s inception in 2001, Nigerian players have won it multiple times, showcasing their exceptional talent and influence in African football. Below is a list of these players and their remarkable achievements.  

Mercy Akide (2001)  

Mercy Akide made history as the first-ever winner of the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. Known for her goal-scoring prowess, Akide played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football during the late 1990s and early 2000s.  

Key Achievements  

1. Starred in Nigeria’s victories at the Africa Women’s Championship.  
2. Played in three FIFA Women’s World Cups (1995, 1999, 2003).  

Perpetua Nkwocha (2004, 2005, 2010, 2011)  

Perpetua Nkwocha remains one of the most celebrated African footballers of all time. She won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award a record four times, cementing her legacy as a legend of the game.  

Key Achievements

1. Instrumental in Nigeria’s Africa Women’s Championship wins.  
2. Scored an incredible 11 goals in the 2006 Africa Women’s Championship, setting a record.  
3. Represented Nigeria in four FIFA Women’s World Cups and the Olympic Games.
   

Cynthia Uwak (2006, 2007)  

Cynthia Uwak is another Nigerian star who captured the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award back-to-back in 2006 and 2007. Her speed and technical ability made her a standout player during her era.  

Key Achievements

1. Key figure in Nigeria’s Africa Women’s Championship triumphs.  
2. Played for top clubs in Europe, enhancing her reputation as a world-class forward.
   

Asisat Oshoala (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022)  

Asisat Oshoala is the most decorated Nigerian female player in CAF history, having won the Women’s Player of the Year award five times. She is widely regarded as one of the best female footballers to come out of Africa.  

Key Achievements  

1. Won multiple Africa Women’s Cup of Nations titles with Nigeria.  
2. Made history as the first African woman to play for FC Barcelona Femeni, where she continues to shine on the global stage.  
3. Played a significant role in Barcelona’s UEFA Women’s Champions League victory in 2021.  
4. She was Named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2015.
   

Chiamaka Nnadozie (2024): Goal Keeper of the Year

Chiamaka Nnadozie was honored as the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024. Her outstanding performances for Paris FC and the Nigerian national team have been pivotal in her recognition.

These accolades highlight the significant contributions of Nigerian female footballers to the sport and their continued influence on the African football landscape.

Nigerian female players have consistently dominated African football, with legends like Perpetua Nkwocha and Asisat Oshoala setting benchmarks for excellence.
Their achievements highlight Nigeria’s strength in women’s football and inspire upcoming players to aim for greatness on both the African and global stages.