December 2024

Africa, Sports

Ademola Lookman, Chiamaka Nnadozie others, shine at CAF awards 2024

Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman, Nigerian senior women goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie the Nigerian forward won awards at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awards. While Lookman, who plays for  Atalanta in Italy’s Serie A, was named the 2024 African Footballer of the Year by the football body, the Paris FC and Super Falcons goalkeeper was crowned the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year in a ceremony held in Marrakesh, Morocco.

CAF 2024 award: Full List of winners

He is also the sixth Nigerian men’s player to win this historic award. Previous winners include  Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amunike (1994), Nwankwo Kanu (1996 & 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997), Victor Osimhen (2023).

“I am incredibly grateful and honored to receive this award. It is truly humbling and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the organizers and also everyone involved. Your encouragement and support has been instrumental in my success.” She wrote on her official twitter page.

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Full list of winners:

CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta)

CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Barbra Banda (Zambia / Orlando Pride)

CAF GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)

CAF GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Paris FC)

CAF INTERCLUB PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)

CAF INTERCLUB PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Sanaâ Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR)

CAF YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Lamine Camara (Senegal / AS Monaco)

CAF YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Doha El Madani (Morocco / AS FAR)

CAF COACH OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Emerse Fae (Cote d’Ivoire)

CAF COACH OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)

CAF NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Cote d’Ivoire

CAF NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Nigeria

CAF CLUB OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Al Ahly (Egypt)

CAF CLUB OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
TP Mazembe (DR Congo)

CAF REFEREE OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Mutaz Ibrahim (Libya)

CAF REFEREE OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco)

CAF ASSISTANT REFEREE OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue (Cameroon)

CAF ASSISTANT REFEREE OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Diana Chikotesha (Zambia)

CAF GOAL OF THE YEAR
Mabululu (Angola)

 

Men’s FIFPRO CAF Best XI

Andre Onana (GK): Achraf Hakimi, Kalidou Koulibaly, Chancel Mbemba — Mohammed Kudus, Sofyan Amrabat, Franck Kessie, Yves Bissouma — Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman.

Women’s FIFPRO CAF Best XI 

Andile Dlamini (GK): Michelle Alozie, Karabo Dhlamini, Osinachi Ohale — Lebohang Ramalepe, Linda Motlhalo, Rasheedat Ajibade, Ghizlane Chebbak — Barbra Banda, Asisat Oshoala, Tabitha Chawinga.

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 Sports

Saudi Arabia to host 2034 World Cup.

World soccer’s governing body, FIFA has announced Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 World Cup. Meanwhile, the 2030 edition will be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with one-off matches in three South American countries; , namely; Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.

The decision was announced by FIFA President, Gianni Infantino at a virtual extraordinary Congress.

Commenting on the 2030 World Cup, Infantino said, “We are bringing football to more countries and the number of teams has not diluted the quality. It actually enhanced the opportunity . What better way to celebrate the 100th  anniversary in 2030 than to have the World Cup in six countries, in three continents, with 48 teams and 104 epic matches. The world will stand still and will celebrate the 100 years of the World Cup. Congratulations to all the bidders for putting up a great dossier, but I would like to put on record my big, big thank you to the six confederation presidents and to their teams.”

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 Health, News

Funke Akindele unveiled Un-Aids Ambassador

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), an innovative partnership that leads and inspires the world in achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support has announced the appointment of Funke Akindele, a multiple award-winning actress, movie producer and director, as its new National Goodwill Ambassador (GWA) for Nigeria.

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“Funke Akindele’s career took off with her role in the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored television series “I Need to Know”, which focused on adolescent reproductive health and rights, including HIV. Since then, she has captivated audiences worldwide, earning millions of fans and accolades for her unforgettable roles. Known as the “Queen of Box Office” in Nollywood, Funke holds the top three slots on the list of highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time, reflecting her prominence and influence in the industry.

Over the past two decades, Funke Akindele has consistently broken barriers and used her platform to amplify social impact issues, influence positive change, and champion causes that matter. As UNAIDS’ National Goodwill Ambassador, she will contribute to efforts aimed at eliminating vertical transmission of HIV, ending HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and promoting HIV prevention across Nigeria.” A statement on the organization’s website read.

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The movie actress confirmed the news on her official social media pages, “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed as @UNAIDS   @UnaidsNigeria  Goodwill Ambassador. I remain committed to using my voice and platform to support the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Let’s make a difference together and end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030!”

Dr Leopold Zekeng, UNAIDS Country Director for Nigeria added, “Her powerful voice, vast influence, and commitment to social change make her an invaluable ally in our efforts to combat HIV and support people living with HIV in Nigeria. We look forward to working with her to drive positive impact and progress in the fight against AIDS.”

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