CAF unveils 10 nominees for 2026 Women’s Young Player of the Year award

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a 10-player shortlist for the 2026 Women’s Young Player of the Year award, recognising some of the most promising emerging talents in African women’s football.

The nominees were unveiled on Tuesday, November 3, as part of the categories announced ahead of the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony, which will celebrate outstanding individual and team performances across the continent.

The shortlist features young players from 10 different countries, highlighting the growing depth of talent and the increasing competitiveness of women’s football in Africa.

Benin’s Romaine Gandonou and Cameroon’s Maéva Nyadjou are among the players hoping to secure the prestigious individual recognition.

Ivory Coast are represented by Grace-Ruth Sery, while Burkina Faso’s N’Sira Ouédraogo and Malawi’s Rose Kadzere have also earned nominations following their performances.

Morocco’s Kautar Azraf is another contender, while Nigeria have two representatives on the list in Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi.

Senegal’s Adji Ndiaye and Tanzania’s Winfrida Gerald complete the 10-player shortlist.

The inclusion of players from different footballing nations reflects CAF’s efforts to recognise emerging talents who are contributing to the development and growth of the women’s game across Africa.

The race for the award is expected to attract considerable attention, with the nominees hoping to make their mark at the continental level and take home one of the prestigious individual honours.

The winner will be announced at the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony scheduled for Monday, December 7, in Lagos, Nigeria.

Full list of nominees:

1. Romaine Gandonou (Benin)

2. Maéva Nyadjou (Cameroon)

3. Grace-Ruth Sery (Ivory Coast)

4. N’Sira Ouédraogo (Burkina Faso)

5. Rose Kadzere (Malawi)

6. Kautar Azraf (Morocco)

7. Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei (Nigeria)

8. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi (Nigeria)

9. Adji Ndiaye (Senegal)

10. Winfrida Gerald (Tanzania)