CAF Unveils Star-Studded Nominees for #CAFAwards24: Excitement Builds Ahead of December Ceremony in Marrakech...

The absence of standout performers like Mohamed Salah, Mohammed Kudus, Brahim Diaz, Victor Boniface, and Nicolas Jackson from the nominees has raised eyebrows. These players have had significant impacts in their respective leagues and on the international stage, leading to debates about whether their exclusion reflects an oversight or the criteria used for selection.
The omission of these top talents has led to mixed reactions among fans and analysts. Many argue that such great players should be recognized for their contributions, especially given their performances in crucial competitions. Social media discussions are rife with opinions on whether the CAF is overlooking some of Africa's finest footballers.
The controversy surrounding the nominees has sparked calls for CAF to clarify its selection criteria. Stakeholders in African football are advocating for greater transparency in how nominees are chosen, emphasizing that deserving players should be acknowledged to enhance the credibility of the awards. This could also foster a more inclusive environment for recognizing African talent on an international stage.

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the men’s categories of the #CAFAwards24, scheduled for December 16, 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco. These awards cover the period from January to October 2024.

Ten players have been shortlisted for the prestigious CAF African Player of the Year award, including notable names such as Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain), Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso / Bayer Leverkusen), and Amine Gouiri (Algeria / Rennes). Additionally, ten players are nominated for the CAF Interclub Player of the Year award. South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has received nominations in three categories: Player of the Year, CAF Goalkeeper of the Year, and CAF Interclub Player of the Year. The CAF Coach of the Year category features ten nominees, reflecting the performance of top teams during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023. There are also ten nominees each for the CAF National Team of the Year and Club of the Year categories, while the CAF Young Player of the Year category highlights talents under 21 with its own set of ten rising stars.

However, the announcement has sparked significant controversy due to the notable omission of several high-profile talents, including Mohamed Salah, Mohammed Kudus, Brahim Diaz, Victor Boniface, and Nicolas Jackson. Fans and analysts are expressing their disappointment, labelling the situation a "joke" and questioning the selection criteria used by CAF.

The backlash highlights a broader demand for transparency in the nomination process. Many are calling for clearer criteria to ensure that deserving players are recognized. The frustration surrounding the omission of such renowned players has led to widespread criticism, with many believing that the CAF Awards should better reflect the extraordinary talent present in African football.

Winners for each category will be determined through votes from a diverse panel, including the CAF Technical Committee, media professionals, and head coaches and captains of member associations, along with clubs participating in the group stages of Interclub competitions. The nominees for the women’s categories will be announced shortly. Last year, Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen was awarded CAF African Player of the Year, while Asisat Oshoala was named CAF African Women’s Player of the Year.

Player of the Year (Men):