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.
CAF unveiled the 10-player shortlist on Tuesday, recognising the duo for their impressive performances over the past year.
Akekoromowei and Adegbuyi will represent Nigeria in the category, which celebrates the continent’s most outstanding emerging talents in women’s football.
Their nominations further highlight Nigeria’s growing pool of young female football talents as the next generation of African stars continues to emerge.
The Nigerian duo will face competition from eight other nominees, including Romaine Gandonou, Maéva Nyadjou, Grace-Ruth Sery, N’Sira Ouédraogo, Rose Kadzere, Fautina Azraf, Adji Ndiaye and Winfrida Gerald.
The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony will recognise outstanding players, coaches, teams and administrators across African football.
FULL SHORTLIST FOR CAF WOMEN’S YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR
1. Romaine Gandonou
2. Maéva Nyadjou
3. Grace-Ruth Sery
4. N’Sira Ouédraogo
5. Rose Kadzere
6. Fautina Azraf
7. Janet Akekoromowei
8. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi
9. Adji Ndiaye
10. Winfrida Gerald
