Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak has become the first woman from her country to win the African Footballer of the Year award, claiming the honour ahead of Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade in a surprise result at Monday’s ceremony.
The 35-year-old midfielder prevailed despite Nigeria defeating Morocco 3-2 in this year’s delayed Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final, where Ajibade was named player of the tournament as the Super Falcons secured a record 10th continental crown.
Chebbak, who captains the Atlas Lionesses, finished as top scorer at the competition and produced a memorable strike in the final, performances which ultimately swayed voters in her favour over Ajibade and fellow Moroccan nominee Sanaa Mssoudy.
The award represents the crowning achievement of a lengthy career for Chebbak, who becomes the first Moroccan winner since the women’s prize was introduced in 2001.
“I am extremely delighted to receive this award,” she said. “This is the fruit of a lot of hard work over the years.”
Whilst the main prize eluded Nigeria, Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie provided consolation for the West African nation by securing the best goalkeeper award for an unprecedented third consecutive year.
The result continues Morocco’s dominance at the awards ceremony, with the host nation collecting multiple honours across both men’s and women’s categories throughout the evening in Rabat.
