The governing body has put out a 10-woman shortlist for the 2019 award, with the Barcelona and Valerenga stars making the cut
Asisat Oshoala is eyeing a fourth African Women’s Player of the Year prize after making the nominees list announced by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) for the 2019 award.
Oshoala, won three of the last five prizes after exploits at the U20 World Cup in 2014, African Women’s Cup of Nations success in 2016 and a fine outing with Dalian Quanjian in China in 2017.
Another win will see the Nigeria star become the second to be handed the continent’s Women’s Player of the Year four times in history, tieing with compatriot Perpetua Nkwocha.
The 25-year-old faces rivalry from Ajara Nchout, who inspired Cameroon to the Round of 16 in the World Cup and the Olympic Qualifiers final stages. She also helped Valerenga to a Champions League ticket and Norwegian Cup runners-up spot, scoring 15 goals.
Holder Thembi Kgatlana, who scored South Africa’s only goal at the Women’s World Cup in France and netted six times in 14 games for Beijing Phoenix in China also made the 10-strong list, alongside compatriot Refiloe Jane, who led Banyana Banyana to the Cosafa Women’s Cup triumph.
Jiangsu Suning and Malawi forward Tabitha Chawinga, who made the list in two previous seasons, alongside colleague Elizabeth Addo of Ghana were included, having won a quadruple in China.
Meanwhile, Cameroon’s Aboudi Onguene, who won a maiden Russian title with CSKA Moscow is on the list, along with Tenerife forward Ange N’Guessan of Cote d’Ivoire as well as Nigeria duo of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and forward Uchenna Kanu.
