CAF Awards 2026: Romaine Gandonou puts Benin in the spotlight

Beninese women’s football has a new source of pride. Romaine Gandonou has been officially nominated for the 2026 CAF Awards in the African Women’s Young Player of the Year category. At just 15, the Beninese forward is being recognised for an exceptional season, marked by impressive efficiency in front of goal.

Impressive statistics in 2026

The young international’s figures speak for themselves. Romaine Gandonou delivered a series of outstanding performances both for her club and with the national teams. She notably finished as the leading scorer in the U17 World Cup qualifiers with 11 goals in six matches, before repeating the feat in the U20 World Cup qualifiers with 14 goals in six games.

In the Beninese league, she also finished as the top scorer in the women’s D1 with 25 goals in just ten matches. Her efficiency was also on display in the 2028 Olympic qualifiers, where she scored four goals in two games. At the U20 World Cup, she added three goals in three matches and won the award for the tournament’s best goal.

Continental recognition

The Beninese player is one of the ten players shortlisted in this category. The nomination highlights her rise and the performances she produced throughout the year. For Beninese football, this distinction also represents an excellent showcase on the African stage.

At 15, Romaine Gandonou is already attracting attention with her consistency, eye for goal and ability to make the difference in various competitions. The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled for Monday, December 7, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu, in the city of Lagos, Nigeria.

Aliou Toundé |

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