Nigeria, the land of creativity mixed with a dash of corruption, yet undeniably blessed with talent! Brace yourselves, the football world is abuzz as our very own Super Falcons’ stars shine bright in the race for the 2023 Confederation of African Football Women’s Player of the Year award. Asisat Oshoala, the Ballon d’Or nominee, leads the charge alongside Rasheedat Ajibade and a pack of five other exceptional Nigerian players, making our nation proudly dominant with the highest number of nominees in the list of 30 talented female players across the continent.
Mark your calendars for December 11th in Marrakech, Morocco, as the 2023 CAF awards promise a riveting showdown. Not just players, but our coach on the field, Coach Randy Waldrum, earns his spot among the nominees for coach of the year. And let’s not forget the rising stars—Deborah Abiodun, Esther Ajakaye, and Oluwatosin Demehin—nominated for Best Young Player of the Year. The Super Falcons indeed set the bar high; it’s hard to find any other African female football team that can match their prowess.
Yet, amidst this celebration, shadows loom over the Nigerian Football Association (NFA). The shameful tales of unpaid salaries haunting these very players who bring pride to our nation. It’s a sad reality check, a stain on the glory of our football. But today, let’s bask in the spotlight shining on our extraordinary girls, champions in their own right, on the grand stage of African football.