The answer to one of African football’s biggest questions will come on Monday at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco. From 19h00 local time (18h00 GMT), the spotlight will shine on three exceptional women competing to become the 11th different winner of the CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award.
Among the nominees are Zambia’s Barbra Banda, Morocco’s Sanaâ Mssoudy, and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie—a trio that has lit up pitches across the globe.
Here’s a closer look at the contenders:
Barbra Banda (Zambia)
Club: Orlando Pride, United States
Banda, 24, cemented her legacy as a history-maker at the Paris Olympic Games, becoming the first player to record a third Olympic hat trick. Transitioning to the NWSL with Orlando Pride, she dazzled with 17 goals in 25 games, including the winner in the playoff final.
“She’s a game-changer,” said Orlando Pride coach Seb Hines. “Barbra makes the extraordinary look routine.”
Named MVP of 2024, Banda’s remarkable season saw her achieve milestones that confirmed her as one of Africa’s best.
Sanaâ Mssoudy (Morocco)
Club: AS FAR, Morocco
Mssoudy shone brightest in the CAF Women’s Champions League, where her vision and flair propelled AS FAR to the final.
“Her leadership on the field is unmatched,” remarked AS FAR coach Abdallah Haidamou. “Sanaâ inspires everyone around her.”
Crowned Best Player of the Champions League, she epitomized Moroccan women’s football’s growth in 2024.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Club: Paris FC, France
At 24, Nnadozie continues to dominate as one of the world’s top goalkeepers. A pillar for Paris FC, her 33% clean sheet ratio and stellar saves earned her Goalkeeper of the Season in France’s Division 1 Féminine.
“Chiamaka is a fortress,” said Paris FC teammate Clara Matéo. “She keeps us in games we have no business winning.”
Representing Nigeria at the Paris Olympics, Nnadozie remains a beacon of consistency and excellence.
As the continent waits, one thing is clear: the new Queen of African Football will have earned the title through unparalleled dedication and brilliance.
The CAF Awards will stream live, promising a night to remember. Who will rise to claim the crown?
