CAF Awards 2025: Morocco and Nigeria Sweep Top Honors

On a glittering night in Rabat, Morocco and Nigeria emerged as Africa’s football powerhouses, sweeping the top honors — etching Morocco’s name into the history books. The 2025 CAF Awards, hosted at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, celebrated the continent’s finest talents, but it was Morocco’s historic haul and Nigeria’s continued dominance in women’s football that defined the evening. From Achraf Hakimi’s unprecedented win as Men’s Player of the Year to the Super Falcons’ crowning as Women’s Team of the Year, the ceremony showcased a new era of African football excellence.

Key Highlights from CAF Awards 2025

• Achraf Hakimi – Men’s Player of the Year: First defender since 1973 to win, after a season of European triumphs with PSG.
• Ghizlane Chebbak – Women’s Player of the Year: Made history as the first Moroccan woman to claim the award, finishing top scorer at WAFCON 2025.
• Yassine Bounou – Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Honored for his consistency and leadership, adding another accolade to his decorated career.
• Super Falcons – Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria’s women’s team lifted their 10th WAFCON title, defeating Morocco 3–2 in a thrilling final.
• Chiamaka Nnadozie – Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Secured the award for the third consecutive time, cementing her reputation as Africa’s best keeper.
• Walid Regragui – Men’s Coach of the Year: Guided Morocco’s men’s team to World Cup qualification, reinforcing his tactical brilliance.
• Randy Waldrum – Women’s Coach of the Year: Led Nigeria’s Super Falcons to continental glory, earning recognition for his strategic leadership.
• Adam Maamma – Youth Player of the Year: Morocco’s rising star was honored for his breakthrough performances, symbolizing the nation’s bright football future.
• Morocco – Men’s National Team of the Year: Celebrated for their strong World Cup qualification campaign and dominance across African football in 2025.

The Ceremony in Rabat

The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat transformed into a dazzling stage for African football’s biggest night. The red carpet welcomed icons such as Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, and Moroccan legend Mustapha Hadji, alongside CAF executives and dignitaries from across the continent. The evening blended football and culture, with electrifying performances by Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo, Congolese star Awilo Longomba, Moroccan singer Douaa Lahyaoui, and Afrobeats sensation Fuse ODG. The mix of traditional Moroccan rhythms and pan‑African beats created a festival atmosphere that celebrated both sport and culture.

Award presenters included CAF President Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, whose joint appearance underscored the global importance of the event. They were joined by Moroccan football chief Faouzi Lekjaa and African legends like Rabah Madjer and Mohamed Timoumi. Emotional speeches from winners such as Achraf Hakimi and Ghizlane Chebbak drew standing ovations, while tributes honored past African greats, including George Weah and Roger Milla. The night’s hosting duties were shared by Angélique Kidjo and Moroccan comedian Oualas, adding flair and humor to the proceedings. Together, the star‑studded lineup turned the CAF Awards 2025 into more than a ceremony — it was a cultural showcase and a celebration of African excellence.

Morocco’s Golden Sweep

Morocco delivered one of the most dominant performances in CAF Awards history. Achraf Hakimi’s historic win as Men’s Player of the Year capped a season of European success, while Ghizlane Chebbak’s breakthrough victory highlighted the rise of Moroccan women’s football. Yassine Bounou, Walid Regragui, Adam Maamma, and the national team all added to Morocco’s glittering trophy haul, showcasing the country’s investment in infrastructure and youth development.

Nigeria’s Queens of Africa

While Morocco ruled the men’s categories, Nigeria reaffirmed its supremacy in women’s football. The Super Falcons captured their 10th WAFCON title, defeating Morocco in a dramatic final. Chiamaka Nnadozie’s third consecutive Goalkeeper of the Year award and Randy Waldrum’s recognition as Women’s Coach of the Year underscored Nigeria’s consistency and resilience. The Super Falcons’ crowning as Women’s National Team of the Year reaffirmed their status as Africa’s queens of the game.

The Bigger Picture

The CAF Awards 2025 highlighted a new era in African football. Morocco’s rise reflects its growing influence in both men’s and women’s football, while Nigeria continues to set the benchmark in women’s competitions. Together, they shaped the narrative of the year — Morocco’s golden sweep and Nigeria’s resilience underscored Africa’s growing impact on the global stage.

Closing Reflection

The ceremony was more than a celebration; it was a statement. Morocco and Nigeria didn’t just win trophies — they cemented their place as Africa’s football leaders. The CAF Awards 2025 will be remembered as the night when Rabat shone brightest, and African football reached new heights.