Nigerian football has once again been put on the global map as Super Falcons' star, Chiamaka Nnadozie, clinched a historic victory at the prestigious CAF Awards 2025. The event, which took place yesterday in Morocco, saw the Brentford FC goalkeeper achieve an incredible three-peat.
A Hat-Trick of Glory for Nnadozie
For the third year running, Chiamaka Nnadozie was crowned the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year. She faced stiff competition from South Africa's Andile Dlamini of Mamelodi Sundowns and Morocco's Khadija Er-Rmichi from AS FAR, but her consistent world-class performances secured her the diadem. This remarkable achievement solidifies her status as one of the most dominant goalkeepers in African football history.
Mixed Fortunes for Nigerian Contenders
While Nnadozie's night was one of celebration, it was a different story for other Nigerian nominees. The nation's hopes for the Women’s Footballer of the Year award were dashed as Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, lost out to Morocco’s captain, Ghizlane Chebbak of Al Hilal.
On the men's side, the Super Eagles' two-year reign over the CAF Men’s Footballer of the Year award came to an end. Victor Osimhen, who won in 2023, and last year's winner, Ademola Lookman, were succeeded by Morocco's Achraf Hakimi. The Paris St. Germain defender was the clear favourite after a historic season where he helped his club secure an impressive quadruple: Ligue 1, the Champions League, the Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions. His stellar year was further highlighted by a sixth-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d'Or ranking.
Other Awards and Nigerian Near-Misses
The ceremony also highlighted emerging talents, though Nigerian youngsters also faced disappointment. Falconets striker, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, missed out on the CAF Women’s Young Player of the Year award, which was won by Morocco’s Doha El Madani.
In other categories, Senegal's Lamine Camara won the Men’s Young Player of the Year for the second consecutive year. Cape Verde's national team was named Men’s National Team of the Year, while their coach, Bubista, won Coach of the Year after masterminding the island nation's historic qualification for the upcoming World Cup.
The men's goalkeeping award went to Morocco's Yassine Bounou of Al-Hilal, completing a strong showing for the North African nation throughout the evening.
