CAF Awards 2024: Controversy clouds Best XI over Andre Onana selection

The 2024 CAF Awards, held in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday night, have reignited debates over CAF’s transparency and fairness in African football accolades.

While the event celebrated outstanding players across the continent, questions over the selection process have cast a shadow on the credibility of the CAF Men’s and Women’s Best XI.

Ronwen Williams, South Africa’s AFCON-winning captain, was crowned Goalkeeper of the Year, a decision widely applauded given his impressive performances for both club and country that has won FIFA recognition.

However, eyebrows were raised when Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana was included in the Men’s Best XI ahead of Williams.

Fans and journalists alike have criticized what they perceive as inconsistencies, with many questioning the lack of clear selection criteria.

The controversy doesn’t end there. Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong, who was named Player of the Tournament at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, failed to make the Best XI altogether.

Troost-Ekong’s omission has been met with widespread disapproval, with critics pointing out his central role in Nigeria’s strong AFCON campaign.

Fans Question Women’s Best XI

Similarly, questions have been raised about the CAF Women’s Best XI. Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was named Best Goalkeeper in the women’s category, was surprisingly excluded from the team of the year.

For many, this disconnect highlights a broader issue within the awards system.

“If Chiamaka is the Best Goalkeeper of the Year, why isn’t she in the Best XI?” asked Nigerian football analyst Adaeze Nwachukwu. “The logic just doesn’t add up, and fans deserve better clarity.”

The selection of Mohamed Salah has also sparked debate, with some arguing that the Egyptian star’s inclusion reflects recency bias rather than his overall contributions in the past year.

“Salah is a fantastic player, but others were more deserving this year,” said Tanzanian journalist Isaac Kamugisha. “It’s almost as if these decisions are driven by popularity rather than form.”

Transparency Concerns Persist

At the heart of the controversy lies the issue of transparency. The CAF Best XI is voted for by African players worldwide through FIFPro Africa, an independent body representing professional footballers.

However, critics argue that many voters are disconnected from key tournaments like AFCON and local African leagues, leading to selections that often raise questions.

“Most African players abroad don’t watch AFCON or their home leagues,” explained football analyst Rabiu Ahmed.

“It’s no surprise that we see names like André Onana or Mohamed Salah, even when their performances don’t necessarily warrant it.”

The criticism underscores a larger challenge facing CAF and its partners: balancing popularity, form, and fair representation in African football’s most prestigious awards.

Fan Backlash

On social media, fans expressed frustration, with many feeling that deserving talents were snubbed in favor of more marketable names. “These awards should celebrate excellence on the pitch,” one fan tweeted. “Troost-Ekong deserved to be there. This feels political.”

Others pointed to the need for reform. “CAF must provide transparency on the selection process,” another fan wrote. “Without clarity, the awards lose their value.”

While the CAF Awards remain a major celebration of African football, the controversies surrounding the 2024 edition highlight a need for greater transparency and improved communication with fans.

Context: How the Best XI is Selected

It is important to note that the CAF Men’s and Women’s Best XI are selected exclusively by African players worldwide through FIFPro Africa.

Many of these players, however, do not closely follow African tournaments such as AFCON or local leagues, which often influences their voting decisions.