The anticipation for the prestigious CAF Awards 2023 has escalated with the unveiling of the nominees across various categories for both men and women. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed an impressive lineup of contenders, igniting fervent discussions and expectations within the football fraternity.
In the men’s categories, the race for the coveted Player of the Year award features an array of top talents. Among the notable contenders are Victor Osimhen, the proficient forward from Super Eagles and Napoli, and last year’s victor, Sadio Mane of Senegal. The tenacious competition also includes renowned names like Mohamed Salah, Riyad Mahrez, and Achraf Hakimi, adding depth and excitement to the nominations.
CAF’s announcement didn’t stop at the Player of the Year category; the InterClub Player of the Year boasts an equally competitive field with ten contenders battling for the title. Additionally, awards such as Goalkeeper of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, National Team of the Year, and Club of the Year each have five nominees, reflecting the diversity and depth of talent within African football.
“The ultimate winners in each category will be determined through a rigorous voting process,” stated CAF, shedding light on the meticulousness of the selection procedure. This involves a voting panel consisting of CAF Technical Committee members, esteemed media professionals, as well as Head coaches and captains of member associations and clubs actively engaged in the InterClub competitions.
The culmination of this fervour will take place at the Awards Gala scheduled for December 11 at the Palais des Congrès, Movenpick in Marrakech, Morocco, an event anticipated to attract the most prominent figures in African football.
On the women’s front, CAF made history by introducing the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, acknowledging the monumental efforts of shot-stoppers. The diverse spectrum of nominees across various categories signifies a flourishing era for women’s football, emphasising outstanding performances from December 2022 to November 2023.
Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria’s illustrious talent from Barcelona FC, stands out among the preliminary nominees for the women’s categories. Her presence adds to the fierce competition alongside other remarkable players like Tabitha Chawinga, Khadija Er-Rmichi, and an extensive list of accomplished athletes vying for prestigious titles.
Moreover, the finalists of the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League Cote d’Ivoire 2023 have secured places in the Club of the Year category, adding a layer of excitement and anticipation to this year’s awards.
Similar to the men’s categories, the winners in each section will be determined through an extensive voting process conducted by a diverse panel comprising CAF Technical Committee members, media experts, head coaches, captains of member associations, and clubs actively involved in the InterClub competitions.
The Awards Gala on December 11 in Marrakech is expected to witness the gathering of the finest in African football, an event that promises to celebrate and honour the exceptional talent prevalent within the continent’s footballing landscape.
