Nigeria’s Super Falcons and the U-17 Flamingos have both earned nominations for the National Team of the Year (Women) category at the 2025 CAF Awards, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Falcons, who clinched their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title earlier this year, will be aiming for a third consecutive CAF National Team of the Year award.
Justin Madugu’s side showed both grit and flair, beating South Africa, Zambia, and hosts Morocco en route to the title in July. It was a run that reaffirmed their status as Africa’s queens of the pitch.
Their main challengers this time will likely be Morocco, who reached the WAFCON final after an impressive campaign but fell 3-2 to Nigeria despite leading 2-0 at half-time.
Ghana and South Africa, both semi-finalists, also remain in contention but will have to contend with the Falcons’ imposing record and continental reputation.
The U-17 Flamingos, meanwhile, have emerged as one of Africa’s brightest young teams.
Under coach Bankole Olowookere, they went unbeaten in qualifying for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The team will aim to become the first African side to win the women's cadet World Cup, a feat that can help them edge other contenders for the award.
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Super Falcons boss Madugu headlines Nigeria’s impressive cast
Nigeria’s success is reflected not only in its teams but also in its individuals.
Super Falcons boss Justin Madugu has been shortlisted for Women’s Coach of the Year after guiding his side to continental glory.
The WAFCON winner has also been in the spotlight globally, becoming the first Nigerian coach to earn a Ballon d’Or nomination earlier in the year. That groundbreaking achievement that could give him an edge in the voting.
Flamingos’ tactician Bankole Olowookere also made the shortlist, a deserved recognition for his role in building one of Africa’s most exciting youth teams. Both men will face stiff competition from South Africa’s Desiree Ellis and Morocco’s Jorge Vilda.
In the players’ categories, Flamingos captain Shakirat Moshood has been named among the finalists for CAF Young Player of the Year (Women).
Completing Nigeria’s formidable presence, Bayelsa Queens, winners of the 2025 Nigerian Women’s Football League, earned a nomination for Club of the Year (Women).
In that category, Bayelsa Queens will compete against powerhouses such as South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns, Morocco's ASFAR, and TP Mazembe.
