Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has been nominated for the CAF Women's Player of the Year award for the first time, Soccernet.ng reports.
This comes as a reward for her hard work for her club and helping Nigeria secure their 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations title.
The forward, alongside her teammate, Rasheedat Ajibade, will battle Mama Diop, Sanna Mssoudy, Tabitha Chawinga, Temwa, and others.
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Undoubtedly, Okoronkwo’s rise in 2025 has been nothing short of phenomenal, and the numbers show she might just edge ahead of Temwa Chawinga and Barbra Banda in the race for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.
Esther Okoronkwo's Dominance at club level
At the club level, Okoronkwo has been the heartbeat of AFC Toronto, guiding the Canadian side to the Northern Super League Shield in its maiden season.
She finished the campaign with 8 goals and a league-high 7 assists, topping the NSL assist chart and ranking among the competition’s most influential forwards.
Her ability to both score and create has made her a nightmare for defenders, and her consistency across the season has positioned her as the standout performer in the Northern Super League’s debut year.
Star of Super Falcons' WAFCON triumph
On the international stage, the 26-year-old forward was equally decisive during Nigeria’s victorious run at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Okoronkwo contributed two goals and six assists as the Super Falcons claimed their 10th continental title.
Few players in Africa have matched her dual impact for both club and country this year.
How Okoronkwo compares to Chawinga & Barbra Banda
Her closest competition—Malawi's Temwa Chawinga and Zambian forward Barbra Banda—have also enjoyed brilliant campaigns.
Chawinga fired 15 goals and three assists for Kansas City Current, leading them to the NWSL Shield in the United States.
Banda, on the other hand, scored eight goals and added two assists for Orlando Pride, though her side failed to win any major silverware.
When it comes to combined goal contributions and trophy impact, however, Okoronkwo stands tallest. Across 2025, she has directly contributed to over 20 goals and lifted two major trophies—the WAFCON title and the NSL Shield, which are achievements that few on the continent can rival this year.
Meanwhile, If CAF’s decision hinges on impact, statistics, and silverware, Esther Okoronkwo has a strong case to be crowned Africa’s best female footballer in 2025—ahead of Chawinga and Banda.
