Nigerian women’s football is celebrating a major haul of nominations for the 2025 CAF Awards, following the Super Falcons’ historic victory at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The country has earned recognition across multiple categories, signaling a powerful return to continental dominance.
Leading the charge are two key Super Falcons stars, Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo, who have both been nominated for the prestigious CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.
Ajibade and Okoronkwo Vie for Top Individual Honour
The 10-player shortlist for the Women’s Player of the Year features the two Nigerian forwards who proved instrumental in the team’s record-extending 10th African title.
Esther Okoronkwo showcased exceptional form, registering two goals and an impressive six assists during the WAFCON tournament, proving herself a critical playmaker. Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade complemented this with a goal and two assists, guiding the Falcons with leadership and skill throughout their successful campaign under coach Justine Madugu.
They face stiff competition, including reigning title holder Barbra Banda of Zambia, and the dynamic Malawian sisters, Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga.
Goalkeeper and Coaching Excellence Recognised
Nigeria’s presence is robust across other key categories:
Chiamaka Nnadozie has earned a nomination for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award. The Super Falcons’ shot-stopper was a rock between the posts, known for her consistency and game-saving performances.
The Coaching category sees two Nigerian tacticians shortlisted for Women’s Coach of the Year. Justine Madugu, who masterminded the Super Falcons’ title success in Morocco—culminating in a thrilling 3-2 final victory over the hosts—is nominated. He is joined by Bankole Olowookere, the Head Coach of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, for his work in developing young talent.
Youth and Team Nominations Complete Nigeria’s Sweep
The country’s future talent and overall team strength were also acknowledged:
Shakirat Moshood, captain of the U-17 women’s team (Flamingos), has been nominated for the CAF Young Player of the Year award. Moshood’s consistent performance is expected to be vital as she leads the Flamingos to the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, also set to be hosted in Morocco.
In the team categories, the Super Falcons are nominated for the coveted National Team of the Year award, a nod to their remarkable WAFCON campaign. They are joined by the Nigeria U-17 Women’s Team (the Flamingos) on this shortlist.
Adding to the club representation, Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens FC has also received a nomination for the Women’s Club of the Year award.
The 2025 CAF Awards gala is scheduled to take place in Marrakech, Morocco, where the continent’s best will be celebrated.
