CAF Awards 2024: Nigeria dominates Women’s National Team of the Year Category

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria’s national football teams have earned significant recognition at the 2024 CAF Awards, with the senior team, U-17, and U-20 teams all nominated for the prestigious National Team of the Year award.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently unveiled the nominees for the women’s categories, and Nigeria leads the charge with a remarkable 13 representatives across all award categories.

The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s senior women’s national team and the current holders of the National Team of the Year award, have once again made waves, securing a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics for the first time in 16 years.

Despite their valiant efforts, the nine-time African champions were unable to claim a point in the group stage, but alongside Zambia, they represented Africa in the competition.

Following closely in the rankings is the Nigeria U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, who, under the guidance of coach Christopher Danjuma, reached the Round of 16 at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, where they were eliminated by Japan.

The Nigeria U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, also enjoyed an impressive run at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. Under Bankole Olowookere’s leadership, the Flamingos remained unbeaten in the group stage, defeating New Zealand, Ecuador, and the host nation. Unfortunately, they were knocked out by the USA in the quarterfinals.

The 2024 CAF Awards ceremony, which honors achievements from January to October 2024, will be held in Marrakech, Morocco, on 16 December 2024, where the winners will be announced. Nigeria’s impressive showing across multiple categories has solidified its standing as a powerhouse in African women’s football.