Nigeria’s Super Falcons have secured a place in the 2026 CAF Awards shortlist, with the national team nominated for the prestigious National Team of the Year category. The announcement, made ahead of the ceremony set for December 7 in Lagos, underscores the team’s enduring dominance in African football, even as they navigate a period of tactical and tactical challenges. The nomination arrives on the heels of a disappointing quarter-final exit at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where the 10-time champions were eliminated by a rival nation. Despite the setback, the Super Falcons’ inclusion in the CAF Awards—held on home soil—signals their continued relevance in the continent’s football landscape.
Three Nigerian players have also been recognized in individual categories, adding to the nation’s strong showing. Edo Queens goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma is among the nominees for the Goalkeeper of the Year award, a category that has historically been dominated by Chiamaka Nnadozie, the three-time winner who notably missed this year’s shortlist. Uzoma’s inclusion reflects her consistent performances in Nigeria’s top domestic leagues, where she has become a cornerstone of the Super Falcons’ defense. Meanwhile, Benfica and Falconets forward Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Robo Queens forward Oluwakemi Adegbuyi have been shortlisted for the Young Player of the Year award, competing against a competitive field that includes names like Chloé N’Gazizi, Michaely Bihina, and Cynthia Konlan.
The Super Falcons’ campaign at WAFCON, where they fell to a rival nation in the quarter-finals, has sparked discussions about their tactical approach and adaptability in high-pressure tournaments. While the team’s nomination for National Team of the Year acknowledges their historical success—including their record 10 African titles—their recent form has raised questions about their ability to sustain dominance in a rapidly evolving African women’s football landscape. The CAF Awards ceremony, scheduled for December 7 in Lagos, will provide a platform to celebrate Nigeria’s achievements while also reflecting on the challenges that lie ahead.
Nigeria’s presence in the CAF Awards shortlist extends beyond the national team, with players like Temwa Chawinga of Malawi—who also featured in the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or top 10—adding depth to the continent’s talent pool. The shortlist includes a mix of established stars and emerging talents, with Algeria’s Marine Dafeur, Cameroon’s Michaely Bihina, and Ghana’s Portia Boakye among the other nominees. The competition for the Goalkeeper of the Year award, for instance, features a strong lineup that includes Chloé N’Gazizi, Mercy Sikelo, and Khadija Er-Rmichi, all of whom have been instrumental in their respective teams’ recent successes.
As the CAF Awards approach, Nigeria’s Super Falcons stand poised to make a statement on home soil, where the ceremony will take place. The nomination for National Team of the Year is a testament to their legacy, but it also serves as a reminder of the work required to maintain their status as Africa’s premier women’s football nation. With the Super Falcons and their individual nominees now in the spotlight, the focus shifts to December 7, when the winners will be announced in Lagos—a moment that could further cement Nigeria’s place in the annals of African football history.
