Portia Boakye nominated for 2026 CAF Women’s Player of the Year

Portia Boakye, the captain of Ghana’s national women’s football team, the Black Queens, has been officially nominated for the prestigious 2026 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) included the veteran defender in its shortlist following her exceptional leadership and performance on the continental stage. This nomination serves as a major milestone for Boakye, who has remained a cornerstone of Ghanaian women's football for over a decade.

Boakye’s recognition stems primarily from her influential role during the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Throughout the tournament, the captain demonstrated remarkable consistency, featuring in all five of the Black Queens' matches. Beyond her defensive duties, she contributed a vital assist that helped propel Ghana through the group stages and into the quarter-finals. Her presence on the field was widely regarded as a stabilizing force for a team that has been working to re-establish itself as a powerhouse in African football.

The nomination of the Black Queens captain marks a significant moment for the team, reflecting their collective progress during the WAFCON tournament. While Ghana exited in the quarter-final stage, Boakye’s individual efforts were deemed noteworthy enough by CAF’s technical committee to merit a place among the continent's finest players. This accolade not only highlights her personal skill set but also brings international attention to the talent within the Ghanaian national setup as they look ahead to future international competitions.