Super Falcons Stars Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo Nominated for CAF Women’s Player of the Year

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will be hoping for more continental glory as captain Rasheedat Ajibade and star forward Esther Okoronkwo earned nominations for the prestigious CAF African Women Player of the Year Award.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards – Women’s Categories on Wednesday, recognising the continent’s standout performers over the past year.

Ajibade and Okoronkwo played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph in July, cementing their status among Africa’s elite. 

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who placed fourth in the Yashin Trophy at this year’s Ballon d’Or awards, received a nod for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year.

CAF disclosed that the awards cover achievements from 6 January to 15 October 2025, celebrating individuals and teams who have made notable contributions across domestic, continental, and international competitions. 

A panel of experts, including members of the CAF Technical & Development Committee, former players, experienced coaches, and select media representatives, compiled the shortlist, selecting ten nominees in each category.

Women’s Player of the Year Nominees

Portia Boakye (Ghana/Hapoel Petah Tikva), Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi/OL Lyonnes), Temwa Chawinga (Malawi/Kansas City), Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco/Al Hilal), Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco/AS FAR), Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria/AFC Toronto), Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria/Paris Saint-Germain), Mama Diop (Senegal/RC Strasbourg), Barbra Banda (Zambia/Orlando Pride), Rachael Kundananji (Zambia/Bay FC).

Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Nominees

Chloe N’Gazi (Algeria/Olympique de Marseille), Sedilame Boseja (Botswana/Mamelodi Sundowns), Fideline Ndoy (DRC/TP Mazembe), Habiba Emad (Egypt/FC Masar), Cynthia Konlan (Ghana/Swieqi United), Fatoumata Karantao (Mali/USFAS Bamako), Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco/AS FAR), Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria/Brighton & Hove Albion), Adji Ndiaye (Senegal/AS Bambey), Andile Dlamini (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns).

The announcement also covers other key categories, including Women’s Interclub Player of the Year, Women’s Coach of the Year, Women’s Young Player of the Year, Women’s National Team of the Year, and Women’s Club of the Year, with nominees representing a broad spectrum of talent across Africa.

The CAF Awards ceremony, one of the most anticipated events in African football, will honour the continent’s top performers, celebrating excellence and inspiring the next generation of women footballers.