Ajara Nchout, widely regarded as the star of the Cameroonian women’s national team, has been nominated for the 2019 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. The Valerenga striker hopes to claim the prestigious honor and dedicate it to her country. Speaking to RFI on Tuesday, Nchout expressed her ambition: “It’s a trophy I really want to win, but we have to wait for the final decision from CAF. I really hope so, because it will be a victory for the Cameroon national team.”
The 2019 season was a breakthrough for Nchout at club level. Playing in Norway with Valerenga, she helped guide her team to a second-place finish in the league, securing a historic qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League—the first time in the club’s history. Her performances not only highlighted her individual talent but also demonstrated her ability to elevate her team on the biggest stages.
Looking ahead, 2020 could be a landmark year for Nchout. In addition to the potential CAF award, she will be central to Cameroon’s bid to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. The national team faces a crucial double-leg playoff against Zambia, with the first leg scheduled for January 13, 2020, and the second on January 22, 2020. Success in these matches would secure Cameroon a place at the Olympic Games, further cementing Nchout’s status as a pivotal figure for her country.
With her combination of international experience and recent club success, Ajara Nchout is poised to make a significant impact both for Valerenga and the Cameroonian national team. Her CAF nomination reflects her growing influence in African women’s football and sets the stage for what could be an outstanding year in 2020.
