Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been notably left out of the final for the 2024 CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award shortlist, despite playing a key role in leading Nigeria to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nwabali,27, was instrumental throughout the tournament, but his exclusion from the prestigious shortlist has surprised many fans and pundits alike.
Nwabali’s performances in the tournament, including several match-winning saves, were vital in Nigeria’s impressive run to the AFCON final, where they ultimately finished as runners-up.
𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 (𝗠𝗲𝗻) – 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/GJXBloJ0xx
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 12, 2024
However, the final list sees some of Africa’s top shot-stoppers make the cut, including Cameroon and Manchester United’s Andre Onana, Ivory Coast’s AFCON-winning goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams of Mamelodi Sundowns.
Favorite Ronwem Williams, who secured the Bronze Medal with South Africa and named the Best Goalkeeper of the AFCON 2023 tournament makes the shortlist while Yahia Fofana, who helped the Ivory Coast clinch the 2023 AFCON title is listed alongside FA Cup winner with Manchester United Andre Onana.
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In addition to the goalkeeper shortlist, the race for the AFCON 2023 Coach of the Year award has also produced some notable names. South Africa’s Hugo Broos, who led his team to a bronze finish in the tournament, has made the final list, along with Emerse Fae, the coach of the AFCON-winning Ivory Coast team. Democratic Republic of Congo’s Sebastien Desabre, who guided his side to a fourth-place finish, also makes the final shortlist.
Meanwhile, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and South Africa battle it for the 2024 Men’s National team of the year.
𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 (𝗠𝗲𝗻) – 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/7oqCU96gVm
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 12, 2024
The announcement of the Confederation of African Football Awards 2024 winners will take place on Monday, December 16, in Marrakech, Morocco.
