Portia Boakye, Barbra Banda, others nominated for 2026 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award

Ghana defender Portia Boakye has been named among the 10 nominees for the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Player of the Year award.

Boakye is the only Ghanaian on the shortlist announced by CAF as part of its nominations for the 2026 CAF Awards.

She faces competition from a strong group of players, including Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Malawi’s Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga.

South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana, Morocco’s Hanane Aït El Haj and Algeria’s Marine Dafeur have also been nominated.

Cameroon has three representatives on the list, with Marie Ngah Manga, Michaely Bihina and Monique Ngock all earning nominations.

The shortlist reflects the impressive contributions of the nominated players to women’s football across the continent over the past year.

Boakye’s inclusion provides Ghana with representation in one of the major individual categories at this year’s awards.

The 2026 CAF Awards will recognise outstanding performances by players, coaches and other key figures in African football over the assessment period.