Haller's stunning flick that left Nwabali rooted to the spot in the running for CAF Goal of the Year

The Confederation of African Football has announced the nominees for the 2024 Goal of the Year award. 

Among the 11 shortlisted goals is Sebastien Haller's stunning winner in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, which dealt a crushing blow to Nigerian fans.

Nigeria's Super Eagles had high hopes of claiming their fourth AFCON title after defeating the hosts in the group stage.

Captain William Troost-Ekong's goal in the 38th minute of the final seemed to be the turning point, but Cote d'Ivoire fought back. 

Franck Kessie's equalizer past the hour mark shifted the momentum in favor of the Ivorians.

The decisive moment came nine minutes from time when Haller expertly controlled a pinpoint cross from Simon Adingra, leaving Troost-Ekong in his wake. 

The Ivorian striker then expertly flicked the ball past Nigeria's goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, securing a 2-1 victory for Cote d'Ivoire.

The goal not only won the AFCON title for Cote d'Ivoire but also earned Haller a nomination for the CAF Goal of the Year award.

In his bid to win the award, the Elephants striker faces competition from Abdul Aziz Issah (Dreams FC), Aboubakary Koita (Mauritania), Denis Omedi (Kitara FC), Ibrahim Adel (Egypt) and Kevin Pina (Cape Verde).

The other nominees are: Cristovao Mabululu (Angola), Nene Dorgeles (Mali), Saïd Benrahma (Algeria), Wessam Abou Ali (Al Ahly) and Yassine Benzia (Algeria).

Nigeria's Super Eagles have had a mixed year, with some promising performances in international friendlies since the continental showpiece. Despite the disappointment of losing the AFCON final, the team's quality is never in doubt.

The winner of this award will be made public at the 2024 CAF Awards Gala on Monday, 16 December 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco.

Ejim Kaycee

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