Nwabali Exclusion: Is CAF’s Decision Fair, Right?
Super Eagles and Chippas United Goal keeper, Victor Nwabali. Photo Credit: Dailypost
Stanley Bobo Nwabali exclusion from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) goalkeeper of the year award final shortlist has once again become a controversial topic in football. Nwabali’s omission raises critical questions about CAF’s criteria for selecting its finalists, and whether the process accurately reflects merit and performance on the pitch.
Nwabali has been one of the standout players in African football this year. As the shot-stopper for Chippa United in South Africa, his heroic performances in the last edition of AFCON held Ivory Coast for the Nigerian Super Eagles. His consistency, leadership, and ability to pull off game-saving moments should have made him a strong contender for the award. In an era where goalkeepers have increasingly become game-changers, Nwabali’s exclusion feels unjustified.
Lack of Transparency in CAF’s Selection Process
One of the main criticisms leveled at CAF is the non-transparent nature of its awards selection process. Fans, analysts, and even players themselves are often left guessing the criteria used to determine the nominations. Are the decisions based purely on players statistics? Or do subjective factors, such as club reputation and media hype, also affect the nomination decisions?
If it’s about individual contributions, Nwabali’s performances compare favorably with those of the shortlisted candidates. For example, his save percentage, clean sheets, and critical contributions in high-stakes matches were among the best in the 2024 AFCON tournament as well as in the South African Betway Premiership. Yet, his achievements seem to have been overshadowed by players from more high-profile clubs or leagues. Such decisions send a sad message to players from smaller leagues or clubs: no matter how well you perform, your chances are limited if you lack the global spotlight.
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Bias Toward Bigger Clubs?
To look more further into this controversy surrounding Nwabalis exclusion is CAF’s tendency to favor players from North and Southern African clubs in individual awards has become an open play. Clubs like Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, or Mamelodi Sundowns dominate the narrative, Yes!!! it is evident that these clubs are the “big dogs” in African club football but this has become a routine at the expense of players from West African or lower leagues.
While these clubs undeniably boast excellent players, the bias diminishes the visibility of equally talented individuals who ply their trade in less celebrated leagues. Nwabali’s omission is indicative of this larger issue, where the strength of a club often overshadows the contributions of its players.
This imbalance risks alienating a significant portion of African football fans. Nigerian football, for instance, has a rich history and immense fanbase. Excluding players like Nwabali from recognition not only undermines the credibility of CAF’s awards but also risks losing the engagement of fans who feel their leagues and players are undervalued.
What Appears on the Big Picture?
Awards like Goalkeeper of the Year are more than just individual honors; they shape careers, open doors to international opportunities, and inspire younger players. By sidelining deserving players like Nwabali and placing goalkeepers like Andre Onana of Cameroon and Manchester United in the final shortlist despite having a poor performance for both club and country, CAF has ruined the potential impact these accolades could have on the wider footballing system.
To move forward, CAF must prioritize transparency and inclusivity. Clear criteria for awards should be published and adhered to, with a focus on rewarding merit rather than reputation. Recognizing players like Nwabali sends a powerful message that performance, not geography or club stature, is the ultimate measure of excellence.
In excluding Victor Nwabali, CAF has not only done a disservice to the player but also to African football as a whole. A fair and inclusive process would ensure that no talent goes unnoticed, regardless of where they play. Until then, questions of fairness and credibility will continue to appear on CAF’s awards, leaving fans and players alike confused.
