CAF Awards 2026: Four Cameroonians nominated as CAF begins unveiling shortlist

By Angu Lesley

Football writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

Cameroon has made an encouraging start to the 2026 CAF Awards nominations, with four representatives earning recognition across three women’s categories announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Tuesday, November 3.

The Indomitable Lionesses’ historic success in women’s football has been reflected in the first batch of nominations, with Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga, Michaely Bihina, Monique Ngock and Maëva Nyadjou all featuring on the continental shortlist.

Three Cameroonians have been nominated for the prestigious Women’s Player of the Year award. Ngah Manga, Bihina and Ngock will compete against seven other African stars for the individual honour.

Bihina has also secured a nomination for Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year following her impressive performances with Cameroon at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where she emerged as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

Young defender Maëva Nyadjou completes Cameroon’s representation in the categories announced so far, earning a place among the ten nominees for Women’s Young Player of the Year.

The nominations underline the growing recognition of Cameroonian women’s football, particularly after the national team’s remarkable achievements on the continental stage.

However, these are only the main categories unveiled by CAF on Tuesday. The continental football governing body is expected to release nominees for additional categories in the hours ahead, meaning Cameroon could have further representatives as the announcement process continues.

The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony will take place on December 7 in Lagos, Nigeria, bringing together the continent’s leading footballers, coaches, clubs and national teams to celebrate outstanding performances during the year.

For Cameroon, the first announcements have already provided reason for optimism, with four representatives carrying the country’s hopes for continental recognition.

Cameroonians nominated so far:

• Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga – Women’s Player of the Year.
• Michaely Bihina – Women’s Player of the Year and Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
• Monique Ngock – Women’s Player of the Year.
• Maëva Nyadjou – Women’s Young Player of the Year.

More nominations are expected as CAF continues to unveil the remaining categories.