Ghanaian international footballer Portia Boakye has received continental recognition after earning a nomination for the prestigious Women’s Player of the Year award at the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards.
The nomination places the experienced Black Queens defender among the outstanding female footballers being considered for one of African football’s most coveted individual honours.
Boakye’s nomination is a significant recognition of her contribution to Ghanaian women’s football, with her experience, leadership and commitment making her an important figure in the national team setup.
The 36-year-old defender, who captains the Black Queens, earned the nomination following her influential performances at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. She featured in all five of Ghana’s matches at the tournament and registered one assist as the team progressed to the quarter-finals. MyJoyOnline +1
Despite Ghana’s quarter-final elimination, Boakye’s performances and leadership have earned her a place among the 10 nominees for the individual award.
She is Ghana’s sole representative in the Women’s Player of the Year category, competing against some of the continent’s finest football talents, including Zambia’s Barbra Banda, South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana, Malawi’s Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, and Cameroon’s Monique Ngock, Michaely Bihina and Marie Ngah Manga. Sport Resonance +1
Boakye’s nomination adds to Ghana’s strong representation at this year’s awards, with goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan also nominated for Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while the Black Queens are in contention for Women’s National Team of the Year. MyJoyOnline +1
The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled for December 7 in Lagos, Nigeria, where outstanding performers and teams across African football will be honoured for their achievements.
The nomination represents another significant milestone in her international career and an opportunity to bring individual recognition to Ghanaian women’s football.
