Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, Zambia’s Barbra Banda, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams emerged as the standout winners at the 2024 CAF Awards held in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday, December 16.
The event honored Africa’s finest football talent from the year, celebrating remarkable achievements across men’s and women’s football.
Lookman was crowned CAF Men’s Player of the Year after a stellar season with Italian club Atalanta and Nigeria’s Super Eagles, succeeding compatriot Victor Osimhen, who won in 2023. This marks Nigeria’s first back-to-back Men’s Player of the Year awards since the late 1990s.
Barbra Banda, named CAF Women’s Player of the Year, had an unforgettable year, helping Orlando Pride secure the NWSL Shield and Championship in the United States. She also made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by netting her third Olympic hat-trick, a record-breaking feat.
South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a clean sweep, winning both the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year. His heroics at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where his penalty saves propelled South Africa to a bronze finish, highlighted his exceptional form.
Other notable winners included Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, who retained the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year title, and Moroccan duo Lamia Boumehdi (Women’s Coach of the Year) and Doha El Madani (Women’s Young Player of the Year).
Cote d’Ivoire’s AFCON triumph earned them the Men’s National Team of the Year, while Nigeria’s Super Falcons were recognized as the Women’s National Team of the Year. Clubs Al Ahly (Egypt) and TP Mazembe (DR Congo) were named Men’s and Women’s Clubs of the Year, respectively.
Angola’s Mabululu won Goal of the Year for his stunning finish against Namibia, the only award decided by fan votes.
The evening not only honored players but also recognized referees, coaches, and rising stars, reflecting CAF’s commitment to celebrating excellence in African football.
Full List of Winners:
Men’s Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Women’s Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (Zambia)
Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Fae (Cote d’Ivoire)
Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)
Men’s National Team of the Year: Cote d’Ivoire
Women’s National Team of the Year: 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 (Angola)
