Nigerians feature prominently in CAF Men’s and Women’s Best XI.
Super Falcons stars Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Asisat Oshoala, along with Super Eagles duo Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, were named in the 2024 CAF Men’s and Women’s Best XI at the CAF Awards held on Monday night in Marrakesh, Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Nigeria’s six representatives across both categories marked the highest number of players from any single country honored at the event.
Alozie and Ohale were selected as part of a three-player defense in the Women’s XI, while Osimhen and Lookman featured in the Men’s front three.
Ajibade, who was also nominated for the Women’s Player of the Year, joined Oshoala, Alozie, and Ohale in the Women’s Best XI, acknowledging their exceptional performances for both club and country over the year. Though Osimhen, the 2023 CAF Player of the Year, was not nominated for this year’s individual award, his continued achievements for club and country were recognized with his inclusion in the team.
In the Men’s XI, Manchester United and Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana was selected in goal, with Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly, and DR Congo’s Chancel Mbemba completing the defense. The midfield featured Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus, Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat, Ivory Coast’s Franck Kessie, and Mali’s Yves Bissouma. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah joined Osimhen and Lookman in the attack.
In the Women’s XI, while Chiamaka Nnadozie was named the Best Goalkeeper on the continent, CAF chose South Africa’s Andile Dlamini for the team lineup. Dlamini’s compatriot, Karabo Dhlamini, joined Ohale and Alozie in the three-player defense.
The rest of the Women’s XI included South Africa’s Lebohang Ramalepe and Linda Mothalo, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak, and Zambia’s Barbra Banda.
