CAF Awards 2025: How Africa’s top Women’s players, coaches and teams made the shortlist
With just a few days remaining before CAF honours the standout players, teams, and officials at this year’s CAF Awards, the continued rise of women’s football across the continent has made the selection of this year’s finalists more competitive than ever.
Ahead of the ceremony set to be held in the Moroccan capital of Rabat on Wednesday, 19 November (19h00 local time / 18h00 GMT), CAFOnline takes a closer look at the categories and the performances that earned each nominee a place among Africa’s best during the period under review.
CAF WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco / Al Hilal)
Ghizlaine Chebbak’s nomination reflects her continued influence as one of Africa’s most complete forwards.
Voted player of the tournament at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2022, the AL Hilal star had a stellar season for both club and country.
Renowned for her leadership, intelligent playmaking, and ability to dictate tempo, she remains central to every team she represents.
Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR)
Reigning CAF Women’s Champions League Player of the Tournament Sanna Mssoudy earns her place among the continent’s elite through her dynamic attacking presence and relentless work rate for AS FAR.
At the prime of her career at 25, the attacking forward has been key in AS FAR’s impressive run in this year’s Moroccan Women’s Championship where she was also voted Player of the Year.
Her consistency for AS FAR and Morocco has made her one of the most exciting offensive players on the continent. She will be hoping to clinch the accolade once again on Wednesday.
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria / Paris Saint-Germain)
Rasheedat Ajibade’s nomination recognizes her evolution into a complete, world-class forward. Known for her explosiveness, versatility, and big-game temperament, she continues to deliver standout performances for both club and country.
The lethal 25-year-old will be looking to add onto her growing collection of accolades, with the most recent being voted Player of the Tournament at the last TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON as a key member of the Super Falcons’ side that went on to lift their record-extending 10th continental crown.
CAF WOMEN’S GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR
Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco / AS FAR)
From being voted the best goalkeeper at the CAF Women’s Championship in 2022 to maintaining her form in the Moroccan Women’s Championship where she has won the same award four times in a row, Khadija Er-Rmichi’s recognition speaks to her longevity, composure, and exceptional command of the penalty area.
While her last taste of individual accolades came in just under three years ago, the Moroccan shot-stopper has remained a key cog in AS FAR’s last line of defense.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Brighton & Hove Albion)
Voted the best goalkeeper at the recent TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON finals, Chiamaka Nnadozie stands out as one of the most influential goalkeepers of her generation.
The current holder of the award, Nnadozie’s fearlessness, and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments distinguish her on both club and international stages.
The Nigerians shot stopper will be looking at earning her third CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award, following her 2023 and 2024 recognition.
Andile Dlamini (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)
Two-time CAF Women’s Champions League Goalkeeper of the Year winner, Andile Dlamini secures her nomination through her exceptional consistency and unwavering presence for both club and country.
Despite her club not performing to their own highly set standards at the last CAF Women’s Champions League, Dlamini remains one of the standout shot-stoppers on the continent.
CAF WOMEN’S YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Doha El Madani (20) (Morocco / AS FAR)
Doha El Madani’s nomination underlines her emergence as one of Africa’s most promising young footballers.
Voted Moroccan Women’s Championship Young Player of the Year recently, following an impressive showing in the 2024 edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League where she was voted Young Player of the Tournament, El Madani will be looking at capping what has been a phenomenal season with another CAF Award recognition.
Adji Ndiaye (19) (Senegal / AS Bambey)
Adji Ndiaye represents the next generation of Senegalese talent—dynamic, fearless, and technically gifted.
At just 19, the shot-stopper’s sharp decision-making and influence on matches at a young age place her among Africa’s most exciting rising stars.
She stands as a symbol of Senegal’s growing strength in women’s football.
Shakirat Abidemi Moshood (Nigeria / Bayelsa Queens)
Shakirat Abidemi Moshood’s rise has been marked by her explosive talent and rapid development.
Captain of the Flamingos as a result of her consistency and leadership traits, she consistently shows maturity and impact well beyond her age.
CAF WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR
Ghana
Ghana’s nomination reflects their renewed competitiveness and cohesive team identity. The squad has demonstrated discipline, resilience, and a strong collective spirit, showcasing significant progress in their performances.
Finished third at the recent TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the Black Queens have shown impressive growth in form in the period under review.
Morocco
The two-time TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON silver-medallists continue their ascent as one of the continent’s most organised and ambitious national teams. Their blend of tactical structure, athleticism, and technical quality has elevated the team’s profile, reflecting the nation’s sustained investment in women’s football.
Nigeria
Nigeria’s recognition as a finalist reaffirms their longstanding dominance and high performance in African football.
Record winners of Africa’s most prestigious Women’s Football title, with 10 African titles to their name, the Super Falcons remain a benchmark for excellence.
Their competitive mentality and deep talent pool keep them among the continent’s elite.