Nigeria’s Super Falcons stars, Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala, have been left out of the 10-player shortlist for the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Player of the Year award.
CAF unveiled the nominees for the prestigious individual honour, with players from seven African countries making the final list.
The omission of Ajibade and Oshoala means Nigeria will have no representative in the category, despite the country’s long-standing contribution to women’s football on the continent.
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, Ghana’s Portia Boakye and Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga also made the shortlist.
The remaining nominees are Morocco’s Hanane Ait El Haj, South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Zambia’s Barbra Banda.
Banda, who has established herself as one of Africa’s prominent female footballers, will be seeking another continental individual accolade.
The 2026 CAF Awards will recognise outstanding performances and achievements across African football, with the Women’s Player of the Year award among the major categories.
