While there may be some questions about Asisat Oshoala’s absence from the list of winners at the 2024 CAF Awards, Super Falcons icon Loretta Sadoh argues it’s a sign of the evolution of African women’s football.
Former Super Falcons defender Loretta Sadoh has described the omission of Asisat Oshoala from the 2024 CAF Awards as a positive development for African development.
Having won the African Player of the Year a record six times, Oshoala is undoubtedly the African footballer of her generation. The former Barcelona Femení striker was, however, conspicuously absent from the shortlist and by virtue, wasn’t recognised at the CAF awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, on December 16.
Oshoala’s omission has sparked mixed reactions, with some suggesting it signals the end of her dominance. However, Sadoh shared a different perspective with SportsBoom, saying, “Oshoala’s exclusion from the 2024 shortlist simply signifies the emergence of a new generation of talent in Africa.
“This is something we should all be proud of. As much as I am a Nigerian, it shows that the new generation of young ladies in Africa is doing big things around the world.”
The 2010 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) winner further highlighted Oshoala’s consistency, describing her as a player whose contributions and achievements stand unmatched.
“The decade has been an amazing one for Asisat Oshoala. She has earned her place in the echelons of African women’s football,” Sadoh added.
“She has been consistent for both club and country. She has won everything there is to win continentally for both club and country. She is an obvious symbol of excellence and inspiration for young girls all over Africa and beyond.
“Oshoala is the first African woman to win the Champions League—not once, but three times. She’s also the first African woman to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or and the first to score in three World Cups. The rest of the world sees African players as quality players now—players who can deliver and make an impact. It’s a good time for African women’s football, and we are all proud of Asisat.”
While Oshoala missed out on CAF recognition in 2024, her teammate Chiamaka Nnadozie extended her continental dominance by claiming Africa’s Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year. The Super Falcons also claimed the Women’s National Team of the Year award.
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