Super Falcons duo nominated for CAF Player of the Year award

Two of Nigeria’s brightest football stars, Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo, have been nominated for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.

The Super Falcons duo feature among ten of Africa’s finest female footballers shortlisted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ahead of the upcoming awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco.

Ajibade, one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), earned widespread praise after helping the Super Falcons clinch a record-extending 10th continental title.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward was voted Woman of the Match in three of Nigeria’s six games and crowned Best Player of the Tournament, further cementing her status as one of Africa’s elite.

Okoronkwo, meanwhile, was equally impressive throughout the tournament. The AFC Toronto striker contributed two goals and six assists, and capped off her brilliant campaign by being named Woman of the Match in the final, where she both scored and assisted in Nigeria’s victory.

Her performances were key in powering the Falcons to yet another continental triumph and securing her place among the top nominees.

Nigeria’s dominance extends beyond the Player of the Year category. Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Paris FC shot-stopper, is once again nominated for the Goalkeeper of the Year prize after winning it two years in a row.

Both the Super Falcons and the Flamingos are shortlisted for National Team of the Year, while Moshood Shakirat competes for the Best Young Player award.

Additionally, Bankole Olowookere of the Flamingos and Justine Madugu of the Super Falcons are among the contenders for Women’s Coach of the Year.

The 2025 CAF Awards Gala promises to be a special night for Nigerian football, as the nation looks to dominate yet another African stage.