The Super Falcons of Nigeria staged a historic comeback against Morocco on Saturday to claim a record-extending tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria who were the slight favourites to win the final at Stade Olympique de Rabat, but they faltered in the first half, falling two goals behind in the first 24 minutes.
However, they produced an impressive second-half performance to claim ensure the game ended 3-2.
Players like Jennifer Echegini, Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, and Folashade Ijamilusi showed up and showed out, as they stamped their status as Queens of Africa.
Of course, as it was the final of the WAFCON there were also awards for different categories, and the Super Falcons dominated.
Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu was named the best coach of the competition by CAF.
With a coach like him you just have to strike gold. Your Coach of the Tournament is none other than him.
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 26, 2025
Then, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was named the Goalkeeper of the tournament. It was not surprising though.
It was clear she was going to win it since the quarterfinal, as she kept four clean sheets and conceded just three goals in six games.
Your #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 Best Goalkeeper with some goalkeeping heroics.
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 26, 2025
Meanwhile, Morocco forward Ghizlane Chebbak won the Golden Boot for the highest goalscorer, as she scored five goals, including one against Nigeria in the final.
Hitting the net 5 times in style to earn herself the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 @PUMA Golden Top Scorer award. ⚽️
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 27, 2025
South Africa's Banyana Banyana finished fourth in the tournament, but they took home the Fair Play award. These awards usually go to teams who have the least number of carded players.
Leading her team to glory with some of the best performances earned her the TotalEnergies Woman of the Competition.
#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/KV1gbLs7yX
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 27, 2025
Finally, Super Falcons captain Ajibade won the Woman of the WAFCON Tournament. This came as a surprise though, as Esther Okoronkwo had two goals and six assists. She had the highest goal contributions in the WAFCON.
How the Super Falcons' win affects CAF best awards
Before last year, when Zambia's Barbra Banda won the CAF Women’s player of the year, Nigeria had dominated the award since 2019, with Asisat Oshoala winning all the awards.
This year though, the award is expected to return to Nigeria following the Super Falcons' win. In fact, it shouldn't be a surprise if Nigerians are the top three nominees.
Naturally, winners of a continental competition are seriously considered for the confederation awards, except when there is another player who has done outstandingly well at their club.
Banda has done well with her NWSL club Orlando Pride, but her WAFCON performance has not done her any favours.
For sure, after a decent campaign with Atletico Madrid last season and her Woman of the Tournament award at the WAFCON, Ajibade is a frontrunner for the award.
Esther Okoronkwo should also be in the mix due to her heroics for Nigeria. Chiamaka Nnadozie also deserves a shout.
But one thing is clear: The CAF Women’s Player of the Year is headed back to Nigeria.
CAF have not revealed the time for the awards yet, but it is expected to take place at the end of the year.
