Chris Danjuma (U-20), Bankole Olowookere (U-17), and Moses Aduku (Edo Queens FC) have all been nominated for the Women’s Coach of the Year award at the CAF Awards 2024.
The list of nominees features other top tacticians including Hassan Abdoulsalami (Cameroon U-20), Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe), Ahmed Ramadan (FC Masar) Mildred Cheche (Kenya U-17), Mohammed Amine Alioua (Asfar), Mbayang Thiam (Aigles De La Médina), and Thinasonke Mbuli (University of The Western Cape).
Chris Danjuma doubles as the coach of Nasarrawa Amazons and the Falconets. He led the Falconets to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and he was assisted by former U-20 and U-17 girls’ assistant coach Mansur Abdullahi, and former Super Falcons’ midfielder Effioanwan Ekpo. With their leadership and experience, the girls were able to impress, achieving group stage qualification before they were eliminated by Japan in the Round of 16.
Bankole Olowookere and his troops led the Flamingos to Dominican Republic 2024 following a roller-coaster ride at the AFCON, where his side edged Tanzania 3-2, before a late goal helped sink Burundi in the play-off final. His attacking philosophy has been recognised as the major catalyst behind the Flamingoes attractive style of play.
“Every coach is allowed to have their own philosophy and their own style of play,” he said. “I want to be an attacking coach. Football is full of excitement and entertainment, and what is entertaining? Goalscoring!” he asserted.
This style of play propelled the Flamingos to dominate their group at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup as they scored 9 goals in the 3 group games. They were eventually eliminated by the United States of America in the quarter-final.
Edo Queens tactician, Moses Aduku has been regarded as one of the major actors behind the rise of the football club. Appointed in 2022, the calm but enigmatic character led Edo Queens to dominate the WAFU B Champions League Qualifiers which gave them automatic qualification to the CAF Women’s Champions League.
He was also the brain behind Edo Queen’s impressive outing at the Women’s Champions League. The team showed ruthlessness to defeat CBE FC 3-0, defensive solidity to draw with Masar 0-0 and determination to comeback and defeat the defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1. They eventually crashed out of the competition following a 3-1 loss to TP Mazembe in extra time.
The 2024 edition of the CAF Awards is set to take place in Marrakech, Morocco on 16 December 2024 as the best sportsmen and women will be rewarded for their exceptional performances in both club and national competitions.
