Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, have been nominated for the Men’s National Team of the Year award at the upcoming 2025 CAF Awards, marking a major recognition of the team’s resurgence on the African football stage.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the nomination list on Tuesday, October 22, 2025, with Ghana making the cut alongside several of the continent’s football powerhouses. The shortlist includes Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Morocco, Morocco U-20, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia.
The Black Stars’ nomination comes on the back of a remarkable turnaround in form and results after a challenging start to the campaign season.
Despite missing out on qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the team bounced back strongly in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, topping their group with an impressive 25 points — one of the highest tallies across the African zone.
Under the guidance of a revitalised technical setup, Ghana have demonstrated renewed determination, tactical discipline, and team spirit, earning praise from both fans and pundits.
Their performances in recent months have signalled a return to the competitive edge that once made the Black Stars one of Africa’s most respected football sides.
The CAF nomination is widely seen as a testament to Ghana’s renewed identity and resilience in international football.
It acknowledges the team’s steady progress, unity, and the promise they continue to show heading into major tournaments.
It serves as a motivation for both players and technical handlers to sustain their focus and deliver even stronger performances on the global stage.
While the nomination itself is an achievement, the Black Stars will face stiff competition from defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, 2025 U-20 World Cup Cup Champions, Morocco and continental giants like Senegal and Egypt — all of whom have enjoyed strong years of international football success.
The winner of the Men’s National Team of the Year category will be announced at the prestigious CAF Awards Gala later this year.
For Ghanaians, the nomination offers a welcome moment of pride and optimism. It reaffirms Ghana’s place among Africa’s football elite and signals the potential for a brighter future ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As the Black Stars continue preparations for upcoming qualifiers and international friendlies, the CAF nomination serves as both an honour and a reminder — that with hard work, unity, and vision, Ghana’s football can continue to shine on the continental and global stage.
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Story by Erica Odeenyin Odoom | univers.ug.edu.gh