Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and star forward Esther Okoronkwo have been nominated for the prestigious CAF African Women’s Player of the Year Award, following their outstanding performances in Nigeria’s 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph in July.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the full list of nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards Women’s Categories on Wednesday, honouring players, coaches, and teams who have excelled between January 6 and October 15, 2025.
Ajibade, who plies her trade with Paris Saint-Germain, and Okoronkwo, currently with AFC Toronto, played crucial roles in Nigeria’s campaign, combining attacking flair with leadership to restore the Super Falcons’ dominance on the continent.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie who recently ranked 4th for the Yashin Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or was also nominated for the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award. Her heroics between the posts for both club and country have solidified her reputation as one of Africa’s finest shot-stoppers.
CAF explained that the shortlist was compiled by a panel comprising members of the CAF Technical & Development Committee, top coaches, CAF legends, and selected media representatives.
Among the other categories unveiled were Women’s Coach of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, and National Team of the Year — with Nigeria also nominated for the Women’s National Team of the Year, following their WAFCON victory.
The 2025 CAF Awards ceremony is expected to draw global attention as the continent celebrates excellence in women’s football.
Analysts say Nigeria’s dominance in the women’s category reflects the country’s continued leadership in African football and the growing impact of Nigerian players across European and North American leagues.
The full list of nominees includes players from Ghana, Morocco, Zambia, and South Africa all competing for Africa’s top honours in a year that has seen significant progress in women’s football development across the continent.
Ajibade and Okoronkwo’s nominations mark another milestone for Nigerian women’s football, further establishing the Super Falcons as a powerhouse on and off the field.
The CAF Awards, scheduled for later in the year, will crown the continent’s best in both the men’s and women’s categories, celebrating those who have contributed immensely to the growth and visibility of African football.
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