Super Falcons stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo have been shortlisted for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, capping off a stellar year for Nigerian women’s football.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released its list of nominees on Thursday, featuring Africa’s top performers over the past year. Both Ajibade and Okoronkwo earned recognition after leading Nigeria to success at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Ajibade, captain of the Super Falcons, has been in scintillating form for both club and country. The 24-year-old was named Player of the Tournament at the 2024 WAFCON, where she scored once and provided two assists to help Nigeria reclaim continental glory. Her leadership and creativity were central to the Super Falcons’ triumph, earning widespread praise from fans and analysts alike.
Since completing her high-profile summer move to Paris Saint-Germain, Ajibade has continued to impress, adapting quickly to life in France’s top flight. Her performances have cemented her reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent and technically gifted forwards.
Esther Okoronkwo, meanwhile, has also enjoyed a breakout season. The 28-year-old AFC Toronto striker was instrumental in Nigeria’s successful WAFCON campaign under head coach Justine Madugu, contributing two goals and six assists. Her composure, vision, and ability to link up play proved invaluable as the Super Falcons lifted their record tenth continental title.
Okoronkwo’s inclusion among Africa’s elite is seen as well-deserved recognition for her development in recent years. Having made her international debut just three years ago, she has now established herself as one of the key attacking forces for both club and country.
The pair will face stiff competition from several of the continent’s top stars, including reigning champion Barbara Banda of Zambia, who is aiming to defend her crown after a prolific year with the national team. Banda’s compatriot, Racheal Kundananji, also features on the shortlist following another strong season at club level.
Other notable nominees include Senegal’s prolific forward Mama Diop, Ghana’s Portia Boakye, and Moroccan duo Sanaa Mssoudy and Ghizlane Chebbak — both of whom were instrumental in Morocco’s continued rise in African women’s football.
Malawi’s dynamic attacking sisters, Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, are also in contention. The siblings have enjoyed remarkable form for club and country, with Tabitha starring in Italy’s Serie A and Temwa shining in China’s top division.
The nominations highlight a growing competitiveness and depth in African women’s football, with players from more nations than ever before being recognized for their achievements.
Nigeria, however, continues to be at the heart of the conversation. The country’s dominance on the continent was reaffirmed at the 2024 WAFCON, and the dual nominations for Ajibade and Okoronkwo further underline the strength and global reach of Nigerian talent.
Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu, who himself has been nominated for the CAF Coach of the Year award, praised both players for their dedication and professionalism. “Ajibade and Okoronkwo represent the spirit of Nigerian football — discipline, hard work, and excellence,” he said. “Their nominations are well-deserved, and we are proud of what they have achieved.”
The winners of the CAF Awards will be announced at a ceremony scheduled for December in Marrakech, Morocco. Fans and journalists from across Africa will eagerly await to see whether Ajibade or Okoronkwo can become the first Nigerian to win the prestigious honour since Asisat Oshoala’s triumph in 2022.
For both players, the nomination alone represents more than personal recognition — it is a testament to the continued rise of Nigerian women’s football and its growing influence on the global stage.