As the anticipation for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards 2023 builds, it’s become clear that Cameroon, despite its rich footballing history, has missed out on nominations in several prominent categories. The event is scheduled to take place on December 11 in the city of Marrakesh, Morocco.
“Morocco is ready to celebrate The Pride of African Football. 
11 December, Marrakesh,” announced the TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations Facebook page.
Cameroon, a nation renowned for its footballing prowess and past glories, has surprisingly failed to secure nominations in multiple key categories. While the country did receive recognition in some areas, there are noticeable omissions in the following categories:
1. National Team of the Year: Cameroon’s national team, famously known as the Indomitable Lions, failed to secure a nomination for National Team of the Year. This absence is a stark departure from the team’s illustrious history, which includes numerous Africa Cup of Nations triumphs.
2. Club of the Year: Cameroonian club teams, whether domestically or in continental competitions, could not secure a nomination in the Club of the Year category. This is in contrast to previous years when clubs from the nation have made notable impacts in African club football.
3. Coach of the Year: Despite Cameroon’s long-standing tradition of producing talented football coaches, no Cameroonian coach managed to secure a nomination for Coach of the Year. This category typically recognises outstanding coaching achievements in both club and national team football.
4. Young Player of the Year: The Young Player of the Year category also lacked a Cameroonian presence this year. This omission is significant, given the country’s history of nurturing and producing young football talents.
5. Interclub Player of the Year: In the Interclub Player of the Year category, which acknowledges the standout performances of African players in various club competitions, Cameroon was absent from the list of nominees.
While Cameroon may have secured nominations in categories such as Goalkeeper of the Year and Player of the Year, the absence of the country in these significant categories highlights the increasingly competitive nature of African football. It also serves as a reminder that, in the ever-evolving landscape of the sport, no nation can take its nominations for granted.
The CAF Awards 2023 promises to be a thrilling celebration of African football excellence, and despite some notable exclusions, the event will undoubtedly shine a spotlight on the continent’s top talents and achievements. As the football world eagerly awaits the ceremony, it will be intriguing to see who emerges as the winner in these fiercely contested categories.
