Nigeria has long been a dominant force in African women’s football, and this is reflected in the number of times Nigerian female players have been honoured with the prestigious CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award. Since the award’s inception in 2001, Nigerian players have won it multiple times, showcasing their exceptional talent and influence in African football. Below is a list of these players and their remarkable achievements.
Mercy Akide (2001)
Mercy Akide made history as the first-ever winner of the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. Known for her goal-scoring prowess, Akide played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Key Achievements
- Starred in Nigeria’s victories at the Africa Women’s Championship.
- Played in three FIFA Women’s World Cups (1995, 1999, 2003).
Perpetua Nkwocha (2004, 2005, 2010, 2011)
Perpetua Nkwocha remains one of the most celebrated African footballers of all time. She won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award a record four times, cementing her legacy as a legend of the game.
Key Achievements
- Instrumental in Nigeria’s Africa Women’s Championship wins.
- Scored an incredible 11 goals in the 2006 Africa Women’s Championship, setting a record.
- Represented Nigeria in four FIFA Women’s World Cups and the Olympic Games.
Cynthia Uwak (2006, 2007)
Cynthia Uwak is another Nigerian star who captured the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award back-to-back in 2006 and 2007. Her speed and technical ability made her a standout player during her era.
Key Achievements
- Key figure in Nigeria’s Africa Women’s Championship triumphs.
- Played for top clubs in Europe, enhancing her reputation as a world-class forward.
Asisat Oshoala (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022)
Asisat Oshoala is the most decorated Nigerian female player in CAF history, having won the Women’s Player of the Year award five times. She is widely regarded as one of the best female footballers to come out of Africa.
Key Achievements
- Won multiple Africa Women’s Cup of Nations titles with Nigeria.
- Made history as the first African woman to play for FC Barcelona Femeni, where she continues to shine on the global stage.
- Played a significant role in Barcelona’s UEFA Women’s Champions League victory in 2021.
- She was Named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2015.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (2024): Goal Keeper of the Year
Chiamaka Nnadozie was honored as the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024. Her outstanding performances for Paris FC and the Nigerian national team have been pivotal in her recognition.
These accolades highlight the significant contributions of Nigerian female footballers to the sport and their continued influence on the African football landscape.
Nigerian female players have consistently dominated African football, with legends like Perpetua Nkwocha and Asisat Oshoala setting benchmarks for excellence.
Their achievements highlight Nigeria’s strength in women’s football and inspire upcoming players to aim for greatness on both the African and global stages.