The FIFA Women’s World Cup headlined the year, and several stars stood out, delivering some unforgettable performances at the tournament held in Australia and New Zealand.
CAF’s nominees have seen national representation from 12 different countries, including the 2022 World Cup quartet of Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa, and Zambia.
Bolanews reveals the list of six female stars who stand a realistic chance of scooping the prestigious 2023 CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Nnadozie left an indelible mark during the 2022 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The youngster was the highest-rated goalkeeper at the tournament, with a rating of 7.68 as per Sofascore, along with keeping three clean sheets.
Barbra Banda (Zambia)
With an impressive return of 11 goals in 13 caps for the Copper Queens, Barbra Banda has been firing on all cylinders this year. Her last outing for the Zambian women’s national team saw her register a hat-trick against the Atlas Lionesses.
Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa)
Kgatlana’s return to the Banyanya Banyanya this year following a long-term injury was one to remember. The former Atletico Madrid striker was arguably the best African player at the Women’s World Cup, with two goals and two assists in four outings.
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi)
Chawinga’s fruitful loan spell in Italy last season saw her become the first African player to win the Golden Boot in the Women’s Serie A with 23 goals. Since her move to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, the Scorchers captain has scored six goals in seven games.
Rachael Kundananji (Zambia)
It is without dispute that Kundananji is one of the best African female footballers on the planet right now. She has scored over 40 goals for club and country since the beginning of last summer.
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)
Oshoala’s impressive numbers and collection of accolades in the last 18 months make her a firm favorite to win the CAF Women’s Award for the record-extending sixth time. And the Super Falcon reminded the world of her brilliance on Wednesday with an over kick goal against Benfica in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
