In a remarkable recognition of their performances on the continental stage, both Nigeria’s men’s and women’s national teams, the Super Eagles and Super Falcons, have been nominated for the prestigious 2024 CAF Men’s and Women’s National Team of the Year awards.

The Super Eagles, led by coach Jose Peseiro, have earned a spot in the Men’s National Team of the Year category, thanks to their impressive run in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Despite finishing as runners-up in the tournament, losing 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast in the final, the Super Eagles showcased resilience and skill, reaffirming their standing as one of Africa’s top footballing nations.

On the women’s side, the Super Falcons are in contention for the Women’s National Team of the Year award. While their performance at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris fell short of expectations, as they were eliminated in the group stage, the Super Falcons remain a dominant force in African women’s football, with a record-setting number of African titles.

Strong Contenders for the Awards

The Super Eagles face stiff competition for the Men’s award, with the reigning African champions, Côte d'Ivoire’s Elephants, and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana also in the mix. The Elephants claimed the AFCON title on home soil, while Bafana Bafana displayed a strong showing in their international campaigns.

For the Women’s National Team of the Year award, Nigeria’s Super Falcons will go up against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana and Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses. Banyana Banyana had a stellar year, while Morocco continues to rise in African football, having impressed in recent international tournaments.

Opinion: Super Eagles and Super Falcons - A Step Closer to Glory

While both the Super Eagles and Super Falcons have had their fair share of challenges over the past year, their inclusion in the CAF National Team of the Year nominations is a testament to their resilience and impact on African football. The Super Eagles, despite their final loss at AFCON, displayed an admirable level of skill and teamwork, and their continued presence in the upper echelons of African football is undeniable. Their performance at AFCON, even though it ended in disappointment, showed that they are a team that can contend with Africa’s best.

On the other hand, the Super Falcons’ group-stage exit at the Olympics was a bitter disappointment, but the team’s long-standing legacy in women’s football cannot be overlooked. Nigeria’s women’s team remains a continental powerhouse, and their dominance in African football continues to inspire generations of players and fans alike.

Both teams’ nominations for these prestigious awards reflect their ongoing excellence and contribution to African football. It will be exciting to see which teams ultimately take home the honors, but regardless of the outcome, the Super Eagles and Super Falcons continue to be major players in African football, carrying the pride of Nigeria on the continental and global stages.