CAF Awards: Ndidi, Osimhen Crash Out, Ighalo, Oshoala Remain

Daniel Ojukwu

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has on Wednesday, released the final 10-man shortlist for the African Footballer of the year, with two notable Nigerian absentees.

The final shortlist was announced on Wednesday afternoon, with nine players plying their trade outside the shores of Africa. Conspicuous amongst the final nominees are Liverpool duo – Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. The latter being a two-time winner of the award, defending African champion and fifth place in the just concluded French Football Balon D’or, is a strong contender to retain the title or at the very least, make podium.

Many are touting an upset that would still see the crown stay in Liverpool but with the explosive Senegalese who was ranked the fourth best player in World football, ahead of his teammate.

Other nominees in the top ten are, former winner, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ajax duo, Andre Onana and Hakim Ziyech, Algerian AFCON winning Riyad Mahrez, Ismail Bennacer and Youcef Belaili, alongside Kalidou Koulibaly and Odion Ighalo.

In the women’s category, Nigeria’s Barcelona superstar, Asisat Oshoala is in contention with Cameroon’s duo of Ajara Nchout and Onguene Gabri, along with Malawi’s Tabitha Chiwanga and Thembi Kgatlana from South Africa.

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 7th January, 2020.