Super Falcons of Nigeria have been named the Women’s Team of the Year at the CAF 2023 Awards following their impressive showing at the World Cup earlier in the year.
The Super Falcons were amongst the three African nations that historically reached the FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 at last year’s global showpiece alongside Morocco and South Africa.
They drew Olympic champions Canada and shock co-hosts Australia and settled for a point against the Republic of Ireland.
The Nigerian team did not lose a match in their three group games before losing to England in the round of 16 after penalty shootouts.
The newly crowned national team of the year was nominated along with Morocco and South Africa. The last time they won this award was in 2018.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles goalie, Chiamaka Nnadozie has been crowned Africa’s best at the CAF Awards,
The Paris FC superstar beat fellow goalkeepers in the form of Moroccan shot-stopper Khadija El-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Olaminii to win the award on Monday, December 11.
Nnadozie showcased her heroics in the Women’s World Cup match against Canada, making three saves, including stopping a 50th-minute penalty from Christine Sinclair with the game ending in goaless draw.
Her performances in the game earned her a Player of the Match award, and garnered international attention.
The 23-year-old, in her acceptance speech, said, ”I just want to use this great opportunity to say a very great thank you to the organisers and also for remembering the female goalkeeper this year.”
“I also want to say a very big thank you to the Nigerian football president for everything he has done in the Nigerian league and female football. I am a product of Nigerian female football.”
“Also, thank you to my club, Paris FC for all the encouragement and thanks to everyone who voted for me and who nominated me.”
Nigeria’s female striker, Asisat Oshoala, has won the 2023 CAF Women’s Player of The Year for a record-extending fifth time.
The 27-year-old striker, who played a key role in Barcelona Femeni’s UEFA Women’s Champions League success last season, beats South Africa’s Thembi Klagtlana and Zambia’s Barbara Banda to win the award on Monday, December 11 in Morocco.
