Super Falcons forwards Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo have been nominated for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced Friday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ajibade, who captained Nigeria to victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), and Okoronkwo, one of the team’s standout performers, are among 10 finalists shortlisted for the prestigious continental honor. The award recognizes the best female footballer in Africa based on performances for club and country over the past year.

Ajibade, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain Women, was named the Most Valuable Player at WAFCON 2024 after leading the Super Falcons to their record 10th continental title. The forward scored five goals in the tournament and was praised for her leadership on and off the pitch.

Okoronkwo, who features for AFC Toronto in Canada, scored twice and provided six assists during Nigeria’s successful campaign. Her pace and creativity were key to the Super Falcons’ attacking play, earning her a nomination among Africa’s elite.

The CAF Women’s Player of the Year award is considered the highest individual recognition in African women’s football. Other nominees this year include Zambia’s Barbra Banda, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak, Ghana’s Evelyn Badu, Senegal’s Hapsatou Diallo, and Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga.

The nomination of two Nigerians highlights the country’s growing influence in women’s football across the continent. Nigeria remains Africa’s most successful women’s national team, having dominated regional competitions and consistently represented Africa at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

CAF has not yet announced the date and venue for the 2025 Awards Gala, where winners across all categories, including Men’s Player of the Year and Coach of the Year, will be revealed.

Sports analysts have praised both Ajibade and Okoronkwo for their consistency and impact over the past season. “Ajibade and Okoronkwo have carried the Super Falcons with exceptional performance and professionalism,” said Lagos-based football analyst Tunde Afolabi. “Their nominations are well-deserved and show how strong Nigeria’s women’s football has become.”

The recognition also reflects the progress of African women’s football, which has seen increased global attention following strong performances by African teams at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria reached the round of 16 at that tournament, earning widespread respect for their discipline and resilience.

Ajibade and Okoronkwo’s nominations continue a tradition of Nigerian excellence at the CAF Awards. Previous Nigerian winners include Asisat Oshoala, who has claimed the title five times, setting a record for the most wins by any player, male or female.

If either Ajibade or Okoronkwo wins, it would mark Nigeria’s sixth Women’s Player of the Year award in eight years, reinforcing the nation’s dominance in African women’s football.

The nominations have sparked excitement among fans and officials in Nigeria, with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) congratulating both players on social media and expressing hope that one of them will bring the trophy home.

As anticipation builds ahead of the awards ceremony, both Ajibade and Okoronkwo will continue their club duties while preparing for Nigeria’s qualification campaign for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Their performances in the coming months could further strengthen their cases for the top prize.

The CAF Women’s Player of the Year winner will be selected by votes from national team coaches, captains, media representatives, and technical experts. The final list of nominees will be reduced to three before the awards gala.

For now, Nigeria celebrates the achievement of its two stars — a reflection of the Super Falcons’ enduring legacy and a promise of even greater things ahead for women’s football in Africa.