CAF Awards 2026: Akekoromowei, Adegbuyi Fly Nigeria’s Flag In Young Player Race

Nigerian forwards Janet Akekoromowei and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi have been shortlisted for the Women’s Young Player of the Year award at the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards.

The duo are among 10 players nominated for the prestigious individual honour, which recognises the continent’s most outstanding emerging talents in women’s football.

Their nominations place Nigeria among the countries represented in the category, following their performances at club and international levels.

According to the list released by CAF, Akekoromowei and Adegbuyi will face competition from Romaine Gandonou, Maéva Nyadjou, Grace-Ruth Sery, N’Sira Ouédraogo, Rose Kadzere, Fautina Azraf and Winfrida Gerald.

The shortlist highlights the emergence of a new generation of female footballers making their mark across the continent.

For Nigeria, the nominations provide further recognition of the country’s talent pool in women’s football, with both forwards hoping to secure the award ahead of the ceremony.

The 2026 CAF Awards will honour outstanding individuals and teams whose performances have shaped African football over the assessment period, with several categories covering both men’s and women’s football.

The Young Player of the Year award remains one of the closely watched categories as CAF continues to recognise emerging talents expected to shape the future of the women’s game.