TheNewsGuru

Tag: CAF

  • CAF Qualifiers: Bayelsa Queens book semi final spot

    CAF Qualifiers: Bayelsa Queens book semi final spot

    Nigeria Women’s Premier League champions, Bayelsa Queens, booked their place in the semifinals of the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU B Qualifiers on Wednesday.

    Played at the Stade du Lycée Scientifique, the Prosperity Girls defeated Togo’s ASKO 3-0, controlling proceedings from the outset but had to wait until the second half to make their dominance count.

    An own-goal by Togolese Oumou Bani two minutes into the second half was enough to  open scoring for the Nigerian champions as  Olabiyi Alaba scored six minutes later with Shakira’s Moshood’s 80th minute strike enough to secure three points for the Nigerians.

    Bayelsa Queens had defeated Ghana’s Police Machine on Sunday and will face Benin’s Sam Nelly on Saturday for a chance to finish top of the group B.

  • CAF sanctions Kenya again over crowd trouble

    CAF sanctions Kenya again over crowd trouble

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sanctioned African Nations Championship (CHAN) co-host, Kenya, for the second time in as many weeks over security breaches.

    In a statement made available on Monday evening, the continental governing body said that it has limited entry to the 48,000-seat Moi International Sports Centre.

    It also said that, known as Kasarani Stadium, can accommodate 27,000 fans for Sunday’s Group A match between Kenya and Zambia.

    CAF said only electronic ticket holders would be allowed into the stadium, with thermal tickets prohibited.

    The governing body warned that Kenya’s matches could be relocated from Kasarani Stadium if organisers fail to prevent further breaches.

    “We trust these measures will be applied swiftly to protect competition’s integrity, ensure fan safety, and uphold confidence in Kenya’s commitment to the tournament,” CAF said.

    The sanctions follow incidents on Aug. 10 when Kenya defeated two-time winner Morocco 1-0 in spite of playing the entire second half with 10 men.

    The win put Kenya top of Group A with seven points.

    The debutants would reach the quarterfinals with at least a draw against winless Zambia.

    Last week, Kenya’s football federation was fined nearly 20,000 U.S. dollars for security lapses during the team’s 1-0 win over DR Congo in the tournament opener on Aug. 3.

    In the latest case, CAF cited major lapses, including stadium gates and restricted service areas being overrun by ticketless spectators and holders of government-distributed physical tickets.

    It also accused security personnel of losing control at exit points and allowing breaches of the perimeter fence that enabled thousands of ticketless fans to enter.

    CAF had expressed alarm over the use of tear gas and flash grenades, reports of live ammunition fired near spectators and staff, and violent incidents such as stone-throwing at security personnel.

    It also cited unsafe vehicle movement in spectator areas, inadequate police response, and the lack of medical incident reports in spite of injuries being reported.

    Organisers were further criticised for insufficient communication tools and the absence of CCTV coverage at critical entry points.

  • Morocco 2024 receives major boost as CAF increases WAFCON prize money

    Morocco 2024 receives major boost as CAF increases WAFCON prize money

    In what is a major boost, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has increased the prize money for the winner of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports CAF increased the WAFCON prize money by 100% and the total prize money for the 2024 edition of WAFCON in Morocco by 45%.

    With the increase, the Super Falcons of Nigeria stand a chance of winning N1.5 billion if they achieve their mission of taking the trophy from the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, who are the defending champions.

    TNG reports the winner of WAFCON Morocco 2024 will take home USD 1,000,000.00 (approx. N1.5 billion) as prize money, while the runner up, third place and fourth place will take home USD 500,000.00, USD 350,000.00 and USD 300,000.00, respectively.

    According to CAF, quarter-finalists (4 teams) will take home USD 200,000.00 for each team, third of the group will take home USD 150,000.00 and fourth of the group (3 teams) will take home USD 125,000.00 for each team.

    Commenting, the President of CAF, Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “CAF is continuing with its commitment to the development and growth of Women’s Football in Africa.

    “The 100% increase in the Prize Money of the Winner of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2024 and the 45% total increase in the Prize Money of this Competition should contribute to the increase of the salaries of Women Football players, coaches and employees.

    “The quality and standard of Women’s Football in Africa is consistently improving and is world class.

    “We are excited about the substantial increase in the number of fans, broadcasting viewers and sponsors in the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2024. This Competition is going to be enormously successful”.

    TNG reports that with the development, the total prize money for the 2024 edition of WAFCON in Morocco will be USD 3,475,000.00 (approx. N5.3 billion).

    Meanwhile, CAF had earlier unveiled a new WAFCON trophy for Morocco 2024.

  • CAF unveils new WAFCON trophy

    CAF unveils new WAFCON trophy

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a new trophy for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco 2024.

    The trophy was unveiled on Wednesday night at an event hosted by CAF and long-term partner, TotalEnergies, in Casablanca, Morocco.

    CAF in a statement said “the trophy is a powerful symbol of the rise and recognition of women’s football across the African continent.”

    According the football governing body, the new design represents more than a piece of silverware; it is a celebration of equality, unity and excellence.

    “We are drawing direct inspiration from the iconic Men’s TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations trophy.

    “The launch of the new trophy forms part of CAF leadership’s goal of developing and growing Women’s Football in Africa and making African Women’s Football amongst the best in the world.

    “The trophy’s striking design, features identical petals spiralling upward, each one representing a participating national team.

    “Together, they form the shape of a blooming flower, a timeless symbol of growth, empowerment, and beauty,” the statement said.

    The statement also expatiated further on the distinctive features of the trophy.

    “Emerging from the heart of this elegant floral form is a golden sphere, patterned subtly as a football.

    “Adorned with a shiny gold map of Africa, the sphere reflects the continent’s ambition, pride, and global impact in the women’s game.

    “Crafted in brilliant silver and matte gold, the body of the trophy is wrapped in a gold ring engraved with the CAF logo, affirming the confederation’s steadfast commitment to elevating the women’s game across all 54 member associations.

    “The base, a pristine white marble pedestal with elegant gold-accented stripes, bears the name of the competition in refined matte gold lettering, cementing the WAFCON legacy within the rich tapestry of African sport,” it added.

    CAF also noted that the new trophy would serve as a beacon of aspiration, inspiring millions of young girls across the continent to dream, to believe, and to achieve on the global stage.

  • CHAN 2024 to hold in August, CAF gives reasons

    CHAN 2024 to hold in August, CAF gives reasons

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Tuesday, announced that the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), initially scheduled to kickoff on Feb. 1 has been postponed to August.

    A statement on the CAF official website said the tournament, to be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, had been delayed to allow more time for the completion of infrastructure and facilities.

    According to the statement, CAF’s Technical and Infrastructure experts, some of whom have been stationed in the host nations, advised that more time is required to bring the infrastructure to the necessary standards.

    It noted that significant progress had already been made in the construction and upgrading of stadiums, training grounds, hotels, hospitals, and other facilities.

    It however said that additional time would ensure readiness for a successful tournament.

    CAF President, Patrice Motsepe was quoted as saying that he was confident that infrastructure once completed would meet CAF standards.

    Motsepe also commended the efforts of the host nations’ leaders.

    “I would like to express my deep gratitude to President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for their leadership, commitment, and the good progress made.

    “I am confident that the infrastructure will meet CAF standards to host a very successful tournament in August 2025,” he said.

    The statement said that in spite of the latest development, the draw for the tournament will go on as planned in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. local time.

    It added that the specific commencement date in August 2025 will be announced later by CAF.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team have been intensifying preparations for the CHAN tournament in Ikenne, Ogun State.

    Barely 24 hours after his official unveiling in Abuja, head coach Eric Chelle arrived at the team’s camp in Ikenne-Remo.

    Chelle was accompanied by his agent, Sidibe Brehima, and Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF’s) Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen.

    According to NFF Director of Communication Ademola Olajire, the trio flew to Lagos via ValueJet Airline before proceeding to the Remo Stars Sports Institute.

    NFF President Ibrahim Gusau however clarified that Chelle would serve in a supervisory capacity.

    Gusau said Daniel Ogunmodede, Fidelis Ilechukwu, and Olatunji Baruwa, who qualified the team for the tournament, would remain in charge of preparations and participation.

    The home-based Super Eagles will compete alongside 18 other nations.

    CAF’s $3.5 million (N5.4 billion) prize announcement for the tournament winner remains a strong motivation for all the participating teams.

  • CAF slams Benin Republic $30,000 for gross misconduct in Rwanda

    CAF slams Benin Republic $30,000 for gross misconduct in Rwanda

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has fined the Beninese Football Federation $30,000 for non-cooperation during their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda.

    According to CAF Disciplinary Board, a fine of $5,000 is for violating article 45 of the CAF Disciplinary Code, while $50,000 is for misconduct by officials at the end of the match.

    However, $25,000 is suspended bringing total fines to $30,000 to the Benin Football Federation.

    The statement partly read: “The CAF Disciplinary Board charged the Beninese Football Federation for its non-collaboration with the Disciplinary Board, in violation of article 45 of the CAF Disciplinary Code during their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifiers fixture against Rwanda.

    “The CAF Disciplinary Board found the Beninese Football Federation and imposed a fine of USD 5,000 for violation of article 45 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

    “The DC Board also imposed a fine of USD 50,000, with USD 25,000 suspended for misconduct of its officials at the end of the match.”

    The body said the decision reflects the CAF’s commitment to upholding disciplinary standards in African football.

    It should be recalled that in May 19, 2023, Benin Football Federation was charged following an incident that took place ahead of their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2023 Cote d’Ivoire qualifier match against Rwanda after the latter complained that during their training session, Benin officials interrupted their official training session.

  • NSC hails Nigerian stars at CAF 2024 awards night

    NSC hails Nigerian stars at CAF 2024 awards night

    The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated Nigeria international players, Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie, as well as the Super Falcons on their triumphs at the 2024 CAF Awards.

    The awards was held in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday evening. It was an evening of glitz and glamour, as Nigeria was celebrated on multiple occasions clinching team and individual honours.

    Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman won the converted CAF Player of the Year award.

    Chairman of the NSC, Malam Shehu Dikko stated that the awards will serve as a motivation for the nation to continue to do more until it reaches the summit of the beautiful game.

    “I congratulate all our winners on the night, especially Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie.

    “These awards are a testament of the hard work a lot of people are putting in, and it comes at a time when Nigerian sports is experiencing a new wave of growth and rejuvenation.

    “It will only energise us to do more and get better because we have high aspirations to reach greater heights,” he said.

    NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, described Lookman’s coronation as the 2024 CAF Player of the Year as a well-deserved victory that will ignite positive momentum for Nigerian sports.

    Olopade who was live at the Awards in Marrakech hailed the 27-year old Nigerian player for being a good ambassador.

    “Lookman’s win cannot be questioned, as he rose above all his peers on the continent,” Olopade stated.

    Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman won the CAF Player of the Year award, just one year after Victor Osimhen conquered the continent in 2023.

    Lookman led Nigeria’s Super Eagles to the 2023 AFCON final, where the team narrowly lost to host, Côte d’Ivoire.

    He went on to lift the Europa League trophy with Atalanta few months later, scoring a hattrick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen to make history.

    The Nigerian forward beat strong contenders, including Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa), to claim the prestigious award.

    Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, emerged as goalkeeper of the year for the second straight year after an impressive 2024.

    Across 28 games, Nnadozie kept an impressive 10 clean sheets, reinforcing her reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in women’s football.

    Also, Nigeria’s Super Falcons were crowned the Women’s National Team of the Year yet again, underscoring the team’s dominance of the women’s game in Africa.

    In the CAF best XI of the year, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman made the Men’s Best XI, while Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Osinachi Ohale, and Michelle Alozie made the Women’s Best XI.

  • Super Eagles captain reacts as CAF crowns Ademola Lookman king of Africa football

    Super Eagles captain reacts as CAF crowns Ademola Lookman king of Africa football

    Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong has reacted after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) crowned Ademola Lookman king of African football on Monday night.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman scooped the Africa Player of the Year award at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco.

    “Deserved brother! We are all proud of you,” Troost-Ekong wrote via X (formerly Twitter) shortly after Lookman received the award.

    TNG reports Lookman was the biggest winner at the star-studded 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, as Africa’s best performers for the year were honoured. The glittering ceremony was attended by football royalty from the continent and beyond.

    It was a celebration of the incredible growth and development of the game in Africa, and the astonishing strides that have been made in men’s and women’s football in recent years.

    Lookman was named CAF Men’s Player of the Year after a sensational 12 months with Italian side Atalanta and the Nigeria’s Super Eagles follows in the footsteps of compatriot Victor Osimhen, who claimed the award in 2023.

    The award for the Super Eagles winger is coming less than 33 months after he won his first cap for Nigeria at international level.

    The 27-year-old won the FIFA U17 World Cup with England before committing his future to Nigeria, and helped steer the Super Eagles to the runner-up position at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year.

    Also, he was key to Italian side Atalanta FC winning the UEFA Europa Cup last season, and this year, has scored 11 goals and notched five assists for the same club in 18 games across all competitions.

    Lookman’s triumph was the big cake for Nigeria following goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie’s retention of the Goalkeeper of the Year award.

    Nigeria’s Nnadozie claimed the award for the second year in a row having had another outstanding season for French side Paris FC, where she was named Première Ligue Goalkeeper of the Season for 2023/2024.

    This was as the Super Falcons again won the Women’s National Team of the Year award just as they did last year.

    Gusau, who collected the Women’s National Team of the Year award on behalf of the Falcons, dedicated the prize to Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and pledged that his administration will continue to support women’s football in all its ramifications.

    Nigeria’s five-time Olympian and Olympic bronze-medallist Mary Onyali, former Nigeria international striker Obafemi Martins and 1996 Olympic women’s long jump gold winner Chioma Ajunwa-Oparah were among the stars of the night as they presented awards.

    Four Super Falcons, namely Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala made the CAF Best 11 Women for 2024, while last year’s Player of the Year winner Victor Osimhen and new King Lookman made the Best 11 Men roster.

    Zambia striker Barbra Banda and South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams were the other big winners on the night.

    Banda took the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League season in the United States by storm as she helped Orlando Pride to the NWSL Shield and Championship, scoring the decisive goal in the final against Washington Spirit.

    Her hat-trick for Zambia at Paris Olympics 2024 was her third in Olympic Games football, an all-time record in the competition, elevating her to among the greats to have played the game.

    Banda became the first player from Africa to be included in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 in 2024.

    Williams was the only double winner on the night, collecting the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year awards.

    His spectacular penalty saves at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 will live long in the memory, including four in the quarter-final shootout win against Cape Verde as he captained South Africa to the bronze medal.

    The 32-year-old helped his club Mamelodi Sundowns set a joint record low of just 11 goals conceded in 30 games in the South African Premiership as they eased to a seventh domestic league title in succession.

    AS FAR and Morocco international forward, Sanaâ Mssoudy won the Women’s Interclub Player of the Year having claimed the Best Player award at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League.

    Lamine Camara of Senegal and Monaco was the Men’s Young Player of the Year as the versatile box-to-box midfielder shone for club and country with his dynamic displays.

    Doha El Madani of AS FAR and Morocco won the Women’s Young Player of the Year as the 19-year-old secured the Golden Boot at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League with six goals in five matches.

    The Men’s Coach of the Year went to Emerse Fae after he led Cote d’Ivoire from the brink of elimination to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil in one of the great global sports stories of 2024.

    Moroccan tactician Lamia Boumehdi was named Women’s Coach of the Year as she led TP Mazembe from the DR Congo to the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League title with a win over AS FAR in the decider.

    Cote d’Ivoire’s continental crown saw them named Men’s National Team of the Year, while Nigeria’s Super Falcons were the Women’s National Team of the Year.

    Al Ahly’s fourth TotalEnergies CAF Champions League win in five years made them worthy winners of Men’s Club of the Year, while TP Mazembe took home the Women’s Club of the Year.

    Goal of the Year was won by Angola’s Mabululu for his audacious finish against Namibia at the continental finals in Cote d’Ivoire. This was the only award voted for by fans.

    In line with the commitment of CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe at last year’s event, match officials were also honoured at the 2024 CAF Awards.

    Mutaz Ibrahim of Libya was named Men’s Referee of the Year, while Morocco’s Bouchra Karboubi was Women’s Referee of the Year.

    Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue of Cameroon was awarded Men’s Assistant Referee of the Year and Zambia’s Diana Chikotesha the Women’s Assistant Referee of the Year.

    The Men’s CAF-FIFPRO Africa Best XI for Men and women were also named and honoured the top performers from the continent in each position.

    2024 CAF AWARDS WINNERS:

    • Men’s Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
    • Women’s Player of the Year Barbra Banda (Zambia)
    • Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Faé (Côte d’Ivoire)
    • Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe; Moroccan)
    • Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
    • Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
    • Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns/South Africa)
    • Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Sanâa Mssoudy (AS FAR/Morocco)
    • Men’s Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (Senegal)
    • Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (AS FAR/Morocco)
    • Men’s National Team of the Year: Côte d’Ivoire
    • Women’s National Team of the Year Super Falcons of Nigeria
    • Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly (Egypt)
    • Women’s Club of the Year TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
    • Goal of the Year: Mabululu (Goal for Angola against Namibia)
    • Best Referee (Women): Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco)
    • Best Referee (Men): Elvis Guy Nguegoue (Cameroon)
    • Best 11 Women: Andile Dlamini; Michelle Alozie; Karabo Dhlamini; Osinachi Ohale; Lebohang Ramalepe; Linda Motlhalo; Rasheedat Ajibade; Ghizlane Chebbak; Barbra Banda; Asisat Oshoala; Tabitha Chawingwa
    • Best 11 Men: Andre Onana; Achraf Hakimi; Khalidou Koulibaly; Chancel Mbemba; Mohammed Kudus; Sofyan Amrabat; Franck Kessie; Yves Bissouma; Mohamed Salah; Victor Osimhen; Ademola Lookman
    • Outstanding Achievement Award: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi (Egypt) and; President Paul Biya (Cameroon).
  • What Tinubu said as Nigerian players shine at CAF awards 2024

    What Tinubu said as Nigerian players shine at CAF awards 2024

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Ademola Lookman, Super Eagles forward, on winning the 2024 CAF Men’s African Footballer of the Year award.

    Tinubu also hailed Chiamaka Nnadozie, Super Falcons goalkeeper, for clinching the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

    The President similarly commended the Super Falcons for being named the Women’s National Team of the Year, Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman disclosed in a statement on Monday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the awards were announced Monday night at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.

    “The President joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating these athletes, describing them as worthy ambassadors for showcasing their talent and bringing honour to the country on the continental and world stage.

    “The President believes that this recognition by Africa’s highest football authority will inspire other upcoming athletes to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams,” Onanuga stated.

    Meanwhile, Tinubu affirmed that their determination, discipline and confidence underscored the administration’s resolve to build a better Nigeria for everyone to thrive and succeed.

    “These athletes embody the essential Nigerian Spirit. They signpost the best in us as a nation. Let no one ever write us off. I am incredibly proud of them. Thank you for making Nigeria proud and keeping our flag flying.

    “Thank you for winning medals for Nigeria both at home and abroad. You will win more in the future,” the President said.

  • Nigerian players win big at CAF awards 2024 [FULL LIST]

    Nigerian players win big at CAF awards 2024 [FULL LIST]

    Both Nigeria’s male and female players emerged winners at the 2024 awards for top flight footballers organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Monday in Marrakesh, Morocco.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman emerged the biggest winner of the night after clinching the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.

    Lookman also made the CAF FIFPro team of the year along with Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, while Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala were named in the women’s category of the CAF FIFPro team of the year.

    Meanwhile, Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie emerged as the best women’s goalkeeper in Africa in 2024, winning the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

    TNG reports Super Falcons defeated Morocco and South Africa to emerge winners of the CAF Women’s National Team of the Year Award.

    Meanwhile, Doha El Madani defeated Nigeria’s Chiamaka Okwuchukwu to win the CAF Young Player of the Year Award (Women’s Category) and Barbra Banda defeated Nnadozie and Sanaa Mssoudy to win CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award. The CAF Men’s Young Player of the Year Award went to Lamine Camara

    In other awards announced on Monday night, Ronwen Williams defeated Andre Onana and Yahia Fofana to win Africa’s best goalkeeper of the year award in the men’s category. Williams also won the CAF Inter Club Player of the Year Award.

    While Mabululu won the CAF goal of the year award, Emerse Fae won CAF Men’s Coach of the Year Award, Lamia Boumehdi won CAF Women’s Coach of the Year Award and Sanaa Mssoudy wins CAF Inter Club Player of the Year Award (Women’s Category).

    TNG reports CAF Women’s Club of the Year Award went to TP Mazembe of DR Congo, while CAF Men’s Club of the Year Award went to Al Ahly of Egypt and Cote d’Ivoire emerged winners of the CAF Men’s National Team of the Year Award.

    CAF awards, night of glory for Nigeria – Gov Mbah

    Meanwhile, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has described the wins at the 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards as a “night of glory for both Nigerian football and the nation in general”.

    The governor congratulated Ademola Lookman, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons for their wins at the event.

    Mba stated this in a congratulatory message signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on External Relations, Mr Uche Anichukwu on Tuesday in Enugu.

    “Congratulations to Ademola Lookman, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons on their well deserved awards as Africa’s Male Footballer of the Year, Female Goalkeeper of the Year and Female National Team of the Year, respectively, at the prestigious CAF Awards, 2024.

    “It was indeed a night of glory for Nigeria. You shone like a million stars through a dint of hard work and patriotism in the year under review and we are super proud of you all.

    “I hope these serve as your stepping stones unto higher ground in your individual footballing careers and for Nigerian football in general. Again, congratulations,” Mbah said.

    SEE FULL LIST OF 2024 CAF AWARDS WINNERS:

    • Men’s Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
    • Women’s Player of the Year Barbra Banda (Zambia)
    • Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Faé (Côte d’Ivoire)
    • Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe; Moroccan)
    • Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
    • Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
    • Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns/South Africa)
    • Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Sanâa Mssoudy (AS FAR/Morocco)
    • Men’s Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (Senegal)
    • Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (AS FAR/Morocco)
    • Men’s National Team of the Year: Côte d’Ivoire
    • Women’s National Team of the Year Super Falcons of Nigeria
    • Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly (Egypt)
    • Women’s Club of the Year TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
    • Goal of the Year: Mabululu (Goal for Angola against Namibia)
    • Best Referee (Women): Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco)
    • Best Referee (Men): Elvis Guy Nguegoue (Cameroon)
    • Best 11 Women: Andile Dlamini; Michelle Alozie; Karabo Dhlamini; Osinachi Ohale; Lebohang Ramalepe; Linda Motlhalo; Rasheedat Ajibade; Ghizlane Chebbak; Barbra Banda; Asisat Oshoala; Tabitha Chawingwa
    • Best 11 Men: Andre Onana; Achraf Hakimi; Khalidou Koulibaly; Chancel Mbemba; Mohammed Kudus; Sofyan Amrabat; Franck Kessie; Yves Bissouma; Mohamed Salah; Victor Osimhen; Ademola Lookman
    • Outstanding Achievement Award: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi (Egypt) and; President Paul Biya (Cameroon).