Black Queens earn three nominations for 2026 CAF Awards

Ghana’s senior women’s national team, the Black Queens, has secured three major nominations for the upcoming 2026 CAF Awards. This recognition follows a period of significant improvement and success for the team on the continental stage. The nominations include a spot on the shortlist for the prestigious CAF National Team of the Year, reflecting the squad's collective achievements over the past year and their return to prominence in African football.

Beyond the team nomination, two key players have been singled out for individual excellence. Captain Portia Boakye has been shortlisted for the Women’s Player of the Year award, a testament to her leadership and consistent performance on the pitch. Joining her is goalkeeper Cynthia Findiib Konlan, who has been nominated for the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year. These individual nods highlight the defensive stability and tactical discipline that have become hallmarks of the team's recent play.

The team’s resurgence has been largely attributed to the technical direction of head coach Kim Lars Björkegren. Under his guidance, the Black Queens have transitioned into a more competitive force, regaining their status among the continent's elite programs. The nominations are seen as a validation of the strategic changes and rigorous training implemented by the coaching staff since Björkegren took charge, which have resulted in a string of impressive performances in international fixtures.

The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony will serve as a platform to celebrate the best of African football, with the Black Queens hoping to bring home multiple honors to Ghana. These nominations represent a significant milestone for women's sports in the country, signaling a successful rebuilding phase for a team that has historically been a continental powerhouse. Fans and sports analysts alike view these nominations as a positive indicator of the continued growth and potential of the women's game in Ghana.