Nigeria has earned three prestigious nominations for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) 2026 Women’s Awards, following the official shortlist release on Tuesday. The recognition spans multiple categories, highlighting the continuous impact of Nigerian talent across continental women's football competitions.
Among the nominees, Edo Queens goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma secured a spot in the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year category. Uzoma faces a competitive field that includes notable names such as Chloe N’Gazi, Michaely Bihina, Cynthia Konlan, Mercy Sikelo, Fatoumata Karantao, Khadija Er-Rmichi, Adji Ndiaye, Kaylin Swart, and Hazel Nali.
Who else made the youth shortlist?
In the Women’s Young Player of the Year category, Nigerian football is represented by two promising talents: Robo Queens and Flamingos forward Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, alongside Benfica and Falconets forward Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei. Both youngsters will contend against other rising stars from across Africa, including Romaine Gandonou, Maëva Nyanidjo, Grace-Ruth Sery, N’Sira Ouédraogo, Rose Kadzere, Kautar Azraf, Adji Ndiaye, and Winfrida Gerald.
Meanwhile, the senior women's national team, the Super Falcons, secured a nomination for the Women’s National Team of the Year award. Despite missing out on the recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy, the Nigerian side remains in contention alongside formidable continental opponents like Cameroon, Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, and South Africa.
Notable omissions from the list
Despite the broad representation in other categories, no Nigerian player made the shortlist for the highly coveted Women’s Player of the Year award.
The ultimate winners across all categories will be officially announced during the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony, which is set to hold on Monday, December 7, in the commercial hub of Lagos.