Oshoala Claims Record Fifth CAF Best Award

Asisat Oshoala and Sadio Mane

Super Falcons and Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala on Thursday beat Zambia’s Grace Chanda and Ajara Nchout Njoya of Cameroon to claim the CAF Women’s Player of The Year Award for a record fifth time, while Senegalese superstar Sadio (Senegal/Liverpool) retained his men’s title at the awards ceremony held in Rabat, Morocco.

The award ceremony took place in Rabat, Morocco on Thursday.

Oshoala is now the sole record holder for the most award wins, thus stamping her authority on the continent.

The 27-year-old equalled countrywoman Perpetua Nkwocha’s fourth CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award at the 2019 Awards Gala.

After receiving her record-breaking award, an elated Oshola dedicated the award to her teammates.

“It’s a record-breaking night for me as an Individual and for Africa as a whole. I’ve got five, FIVE!

“I want to thank everyone who helped me out in my career. The 2021/122 season was really tough for me.

“This year made me realise if you don’t fall, you don’t know the power of comeback. Special thanks to my teammates at FC Barcelona and the national team, the best team in the world Super Falcons.

“Also, thanks to my (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, for always helping us and making sure we can do our stuff on the pitch. I want to dedicate this award to the Super Falcons team, who showed the world their hard work even though they were two women down.”

The Falcons striker was the only Nigerian nominee at the 2022 CAF awards after Falcons’ coach Randy Waldrum, who was originally nominated for Coach of The Year, was dropped from the final shortlist along with Monday Gift, and Super Eagles duo Moses Simon and Akinkunmi Amoo.

Despite being injury-laden for a large part of last season (three months), Oshoala finished top scorer in the Liga Iberdrola with 20 goals in 19 appearances to become the first African to win the Pichichi award in Spain.

Mane, who joined German giants this summer from Liverpool, beat his former club teammate Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and compatriot Edouard Mendy (Chelsea) to the men’s award.

Meanwhile, National Team of the Year for women will be announced on 23 July 2022 during the final match of the Women’s AFCON.

List of winners at 2022 CAF Awards:

Player of the Year (Men)

• Sadio Mane (Senegal & Bayern Munich)

Player of the Year (Women)

• Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria & Barcelona)

Young Player of the Year (Men)

• Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal & Tottenham Hotspur)

Young Player of the Year (Women)

• Evelyn Badu (Ghana & Sekondi Hasaacas Ladies/Alvaldsnes)

Coach of the Year (Men)

• Aliou Cisse (Senegal)

Coach of the Year (Women)

• Desiree Ellis (South Africa)

Interclub Player of the Year (Women)

• Evelyn Badu (Ghana & Sekondi Hasaacas Ladies/Alvaldsnes)

Interclub Player of the Year (Men)

• Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt & Al Ahly)

Club of the Year (Women)

• Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

Club of the Year (Men)

• Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)

National Team of the Year (Men)

• Senegal

Goal of the Year

• Pape Ousmane Sakho (Senegal & Simba)

July 22, 2022