By McGeorge Mbare
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the ten nominees for the coveted 2024 African Ballon d’Or, set to take place on December 16, 2024, in Marrakesh, Morocco. This annual award celebrates the outstanding talents and performances of African players, both on the continent and abroad.
Reigning champion Victor Osimhen of Nigeria claimed the prestigious title in 2023, showcasing extraordinary skill and tenacity throughout the season. This year’s shortlist features a diverse group of talent hailing from various African nations, reflecting the growing prominence of African football on the global stage. The nominees for the 2024 award include:
– Amine Gouiri (Algeria)
– Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso)
– Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast)
– Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo)
– Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)
– Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
– Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
– William Ekong (Nigeria)
– Rowen Williams (South Africa)
Notably, Williams stands out as the only nominee actively competing in African leagues, representing Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African Premiership. His remarkable performance has not only earned him a nomination for the African Player of the Year but also recognition in the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year and CAF Interclub Player of the Year categories, making him a three-time nominee this year. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if he can clinch an award in any of these categories.
This year’s nominations have caused quite a stir among football enthusiasts, particularly with the unexpected omission of several top players, including Victor Boniface, Brahim Diaz, Mohamed Salah, and Mohammed Kudus, all of whom had stellar seasons. Boniface, who plays as a forward for Bayer Leverkusen, enjoyed an impressive run, netting 21 goals and providing 10 assists while helping his team secure the Bundesliga title, the DFB Pokal, and a silver medal in the Europa League.
In a candid response to his exclusion from the final list, Boniface took to social media to share his disappointment.
He wrote, “Rookie of the season, team of the season. No worry I no play AFCON, na why I dey wait for memes d or,” humorously acknowledging the unexpected nature of his absence from the nominations.
As anticipation builds for the final award ceremony in Marrakesh, fans and players alike are eager to see who will take home the prestigious African Ballon d’Or. The event not only honors individual excellence but also highlights the rich tapestry of talent across the African continent.