The Guardian’s yearly compilation of the world’s top 100 female footballers has once again highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence in the women’s game, with four Super Falcons players earning places on the prestigious list.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, forward Rasheedat Ajibade, and newcomers Gift Monday and Esther Okoronkwo were all featured in this year’s rankings by the British news outlet.
Nnadozie, who narrowly missed out in 2024, reclaims her spot at 65th place. The Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper has built a reputation as one of the world’s most dependable goalkeepers. Her 11 clean sheets for Paris FC last season helped secure her move to the Women’s Super League.
She also made history by finishing fourth in Yashin Trophy voting the first African woman goalkeeper to be shortlisted and was crowned Best Goalkeeper at the 2025 CAF Awards.
Reflecting on the recognition, she told The Guardian, “It proves that all the effort, sacrifice and commitment I’ve put in through the years has paid off. The world is paying attention now, and this will inspire more African players who just need the right platform to show their talent.”
Ajibade enters the top 100 for the first time, landing at 79th after previously placing 104th in 2024. Now with PSG, the forward caught the eye during her time in Spain with Atlético Madrid, scoring double-digit goals. Her leadership at WAFCON was especially memorable .
she captained Nigeria to the trophy, scored a vital semi-final goal, and earned the tournament’s Best Player award.
Washington Spirit’s Gift Monday secured 97th place after a strong debut campaign in the NWSL, registering eight goals, including a key strike in the Championship semi-final. Okoronkwo, who represents AFC Toronto in Canada’s Northern Super League, followed closely in 98th.
She made history as the first player from the new Canadian league to appear on the list. Her year featured eight goals and seven assists in league play, plus an impressive AFCON showing with two goals, six assists, and a Player of the Match award in Nigeria’s 3–2 win over Morocco in the final.
Elsewhere in African representation, Zambian forward Barbra Banda ranked seventh last year claimed 14th place, remaining the continent’s highest-ranked player so far. Morocco’s newly crowned African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Ghizlane Chebbak, finished 74th, while Racheal Kundananji placed 100th.
Nigeria’s consistent presence in the rankings continues its remarkable record; with nine previous selections, the country has had at least one player featured every year since 2017.
