Ghanaian national teams nominated for 2026 CAF Awards

Ghana’s senior national football teams, the Black Stars and the Black Queens, have both been shortlisted for the National Team of the Year honors at the upcoming 2026 CAF Awards. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) included the two teams in the official list of nominees ahead of the awards ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on 7 December 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria. This dual recognition marks a significant moment for Ghanaian football, celebrating competitive milestones achieved by both the men’s and women’s programs on the continental and global stage.

The Black Stars earned their nomination for the Men’s National Team of the Year following a successful campaign that saw them qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team dominated their qualifying group, winning five out of their six matches to secure their spot. During the tournament itself, Ghana achieved a historic breakthrough by progressing to the knockout stage for the first time since 2010. They are now among ten nations in contention for the prestigious continental title, reflecting a period of resurgence during the evaluation window.

In the women’s category, the Black Queens have been nominated for Women’s Team of the Year. Their inclusion follows an impressive performance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco, where the team reached the quarterfinals. The nomination underscores the continued development and technical growth of the women's national side, which has consistently improved its standing among Africa’s elite footballing nations over the past year.

While the nominations celebrate these achievements, the Black Stars face immediate pressure to improve their current form in other competitions. The team is currently struggling in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, sitting at the bottom of Group C after winning only one of their last eight matches. As the 7 December ceremony in Lagos approaches, the Black Stars are preparing for a critical double-header against Somalia in mid-November, a series of matches that will be vital to their hopes of qualifying for the next AFCON tournament.