Two of Nigeria’s brightest female footballers, Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo, have been shortlisted for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, underscoring the Super Falcons’ dominance in African women’s football.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the top ten nominees ahead of the prestigious awards ceremony scheduled to be held in Marrakech, Morocco. Both players played crucial roles in Nigeria’s record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph earlier this year.
Ajibade, captain of the Super Falcons, delivered a stellar performance throughout the tournament, steering Nigeria to victory over host nation Morocco in the final. Her consistency and leadership earned her the WAFCON Player of the Tournament award after also being named Woman of the Match in three of Nigeria’s six matches.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward’s influence extended beyond her attacking flair — she was instrumental in motivating a young Falcons side that maintained an unbeaten run throughout the competition.
Esther Okoronkwo, meanwhile, proved to be one of Nigeria’s most effective forwards during the championship. The AFC Toronto striker scored twice, registered six assists, and delivered a decisive performance in the final where she both scored and assisted. Her efforts earned her the Woman of the Match award and secured her a deserved place among Africa’s top ten nominees.
Nigeria’s Strong Presence Across Categories
Nigeria’s dominance at the CAF Awards goes beyond the Player of the Year shortlist. Paris FC goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who has twice won the Goalkeeper of the Year award, is once again in contention to retain the crown.
In addition, both the Super Falcons and the Flamingos are shortlisted for National Team of the Year, while Moshood Shakirat is nominated for Best Young Player.
Read also: CAF Champions League: Remo Stars Advance to Face Former Champions
The Super Falcons’ head coach, Justine Madugu, and Flamingos boss, Bankole Olowookere, also feature among nominees for Women’s Coach of the Year, alongside top international tacticians Sonia Bompastor, Arthur Elias, Renée Slegers, and Sarina Wiegman.
The 2025 CAF Awards Gala is shaping up to be a defining night for Nigerian football. With multiple nominations across key categories, the country is well-positioned to dominate once again the continental stage, a reflection of its growing influence in women’s football across Africa.
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