The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced global music icon Angélique Kidjo and Moroccan entertainer Oualass as hosts of the CAF Awards 2025, scheduled for 19 November at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat.

The ceremony, which begins at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT), will celebrate Africa’s top football talents while showcasing the continent’s cultural richness through its choice of presenters.

Kidjo, one of Africa’s most decorated artists, brings more than 30 years of international acclaim to the role.

The Beninese singer and five-time Grammy Award winner is widely revered for her fusion of world music and African rhythms. Beyond her musical achievements, Kidjo has been recognised by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential women and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

She is a prominent advocate for women’s rights, education and the protection of African cultural heritage.

Joining her is Moroccan comedian and actor Oualass, whose rapid rise in popularity has made him a household name across North Africa and beyond. Known for his humour, improvisational style and ability to engage diverse audiences, Oualass is expected to bring vibrancy and charm to the event.

CAF said the pairing reflects its vision of celebrating not only football excellence but also the continent’s artistic diversity and cultural depth.

The 2025 CAF Awards will honour the standout players, coaches and teams from across Africa over the past year.

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With just days to go before the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, the Confederation of African Football has highlighted the exceptional rise of women’s football across the continent, noting that the increased competitiveness has made this year’s selection process more demanding than ever.

The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 19 November, at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT) in the Moroccan capital, where Africa’s top players, teams and officials will be honoured. In the build-up, CAF has profiled the standout performers vying for honours in the women’s categories.

Women’s Player of the Year

Three of the continent’s most influential attackers headline the shortlist.

Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco/Al Hilal)
The former WAFCON Player of the Tournament earned her nomination after another commanding season for club and country. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most complete forwards, Chebbak remains central to Morocco’s continued rise, thanks to her leadership and creative influence.

Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco/AS FAR)
The reigning CAF Women’s Champions League Player of the Tournament continues to shine for AS FAR and Morocco. At 25, her dynamic style, relentless work rate and consistency have made her one of the continent’s most exciting attacking forces. She is also the Moroccan Women’s Championship Player of the Year.

Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria/Paris Saint-Germain)
The Nigerian forward, now one of Africa’s most complete attacking players, strengthened her case with inspired performances for the Super Falcons and PSG. She was recently named Player of the Tournament at the last WAFCON, where Nigeria secured their record-extending 10th continental title.

Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year

The shortlist features three of Africa’s most reliable shot-stoppers.

Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco/AS FAR)
A four-time Best Goalkeeper in the Moroccan Women’s Championship, Er-Rmichi has been a pillar of stability for AS FAR and continues to be recognised for her composure and command in goal.

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria/Brighton & Hove Albion)
The reigning CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Best Goalkeeper at the latest WAFCON, Nnadozie remains one of the world’s most influential young keepers. She will be aiming for her third consecutive award after wins in 2023 and 2024.

Andile Dlamini (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns)
A two-time CAF Women’s Champions League Goalkeeper of the Year, Dlamini has maintained high levels of performance despite Sundowns’ struggles in the last continental campaign.

Women’s Young Player of the Year

CAF’s recognition of emerging talent highlights three rising stars.

Doha El Madani (20) — Morocco/AS FAR
The Moroccan Women’s Championship Young Player of the Year impressed in the CAF Women’s Champions League, where she was named Young Player of the Tournament. Her rapid growth puts her among Africa’s brightest prospects.

Adji Ndiaye (19) — Senegal/AS Bambey
A young goalkeeper with remarkable composure, Ndiaye has become one of Senegal’s most promising talents. Her performances underline the nation’s growing investment in women’s football.

Shakirat Abidemi Moshood — Nigeria/Bayelsa Queens
Captain of the Flamingos, Moshood has shown maturity, leadership and impact well beyond her age, marking her as one of Nigeria’s most promising young players.

Women’s National Team of the Year

Three national teams were shortlisted based on their achievements during the period under review.

Ghana
The Black Queens’ resurgence, capped by a third-place finish at the last WAFCON, earned them recognition for improved cohesion and competitive consistency.

Morocco
Back-to-back WAFCON runners-up, the Atlas Lionesses continue to benefit from long-term investment and tactical sophistication, establishing themselves as one of Africa’s most ambitious sides.

Nigeria
Record 10-time African champions, the Super Falcons remain the continent’s benchmark for excellence. Their depth, mentality and sustained success have secured yet another nomination.

The winners in all categories will be revealed on Wednesday night as African football celebrates another year of exceptional achievements.

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a powerhouse musical line-up for the CAF Awards 2025, scheduled for Wednesday, 19 November, at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Rabat.

The ceremony, which kicks off at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT), will feature three acclaimed performers—Douaa Lahyaoui, Awilo Longomba and Fuse ODG—each bringing a distinct sound and generational influence to Africa’s biggest football awards night.

Moroccan rising star Douaa Lahyaoui will open the cultural showcase, representing the new wave of Moroccan talent making its mark across the continent.

Known for her impressive vocal range and her blend of Moroccan musical roots with modern pop and international influences, Lahyaoui has quickly become a standout presence at major national events.

Her participation highlights Morocco’s emerging artistic generation and its growing connection to contemporary African music.

She will be followed by an electrifying performance from Congolese soukous icon Awilo Longomba, whose timeless hits and high-energy stage presence have made him one of the most recognisable names in African music.

With a career spanning decades and adorned with global accolades, Awilo’s appearance reinforces the enduring prominence of Congolese rhythms in Africa’s cultural landscape.

Rounding off the line-up is Anglo-Ghanaian Afrobeats star Fuse ODG, a MOBO Award winner known for his cross-continental hits and collaborations that have helped propel Afrobeats onto the global stage.

Celebrated for bridging musical influences between Accra and London, Fuse ODG brings what organisers describe as “energy, warmth and lightness” to the evening.

The 2025 CAF Awards will honour Africa’s top players, coaches, clubs and national teams from the period under review, with notable nominees and guests expected to grace the event in Rabat.

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