Nigerians dominate CAF men, women XI

Super Falcons quartet Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala as well as Super Eagles duo Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, were named in the 2024 CAF men’s and women’s XI during the 2024 CAF Awards on Monday night in Marrakesh, Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The six representations Nigeria had in both categories are the most by any country that produced players for the honours.

Alozie and Ohale were named in a three-player defence for the women’s XI while 2023 CAF Player of The Year Osimhen and Lookman were part of a front three in the men’s team.

While Ajibade made the initial nomination list of the women’s player of the year, Oshoala, Alozie and Ohale made the team of the year in recognition of their outstanding performances for club and country in the year under review.

Osimhen, who also won the CAF Player of The Year in 2023, was not nominated for this year’s honour but his continued exploits for club and country didn’t go unnoticed.

Manchester United and Cameroon goalkeeper, Andre Onana, was the pick to man the sticks with Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Kaliodu Koulibaly (Senegal) and Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo) forming a three-man defence.

Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus, Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco), Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast) and Mali’s Yves Bissouma make up the midfield while Egypt’s Mohamed Salah joins Lookman and Osimhen upfront.

In the women’s XI, Chaiamaka Nnadozie was awarded the best female goalkeeper on the continent but South Africa’s Andile Dlamini was the preferred choice by CAF in the team. Another South African, Karabo Dhlamini joined Ohale and Alozie in a three-player defence lineup.

Other players in the women’s XI are South Africa duo Lebohang Ramalepe and Linda Mothalo as well as Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebback, and Zambia’s Barbra Banda.

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