Nigerian forward Esther Okoronkwo has offered a calm and measured response after failing to make the final shortlist for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, Soccernet.ng reports.
Okoronkwo had enjoyed the most successful year of her career so far and had been tipped by many as one of the favourites to win the award or, at the very least, make the top three.
The AFC Toronto star had earlier been included in the 10-woman shortlist released in October but was omitted from the final three announced by CAF on Sunday.
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, alongside Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy, were the players who advanced to the last stage of voting.
Despite the talents of the finalists, it was a surprise that Okoronkwo was not considered, particularly following her role in Nigeria’s run to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
The 28-year-old contributed crucial assists in the quarterfinal, semifinal and final against Zambia, South Africa and Morocco, helping to guide the Super Falcons to another continental triumph.
Okoronkwo almost singlehandedly helped Nigeria win the final, scoring once and assisting two other goals as the Super Falcons overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Morocco 3-2.
Her standout year extended to AFC Toronto, where she helped the Canadian club win the inaugural NSL Shield in September. Most recently, she delivered a hat-trick in a 4–1 win over Montreal Roses to secure her team’s place in the Northern Super League final.
Reacting to her omission via Instagram, she wrote:
“I remain grateful for the support across Africa. CAF’s decision is noted, but my focus stays on the pitch where recognition is earned not awarded. Awards don’t always reflect reality but the pitch never lies.”
The 2025 CAF Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 19 November, in Rabat, Morocco.
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Osimhen, Ajibade and Nnadozie lead Nigeria’s strong presence in CAF final shortlists
Nigeria secured strong representation across several categories, led by Victor Osimhen’s inclusion in the final three for the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award. The Galatasaray striker is shortlisted alongside Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi.
For Osimhen, whose blistering season in Turkey included 37 goals, seven assists, a domestic double and an early nine goals from 12 matches across league and Champions League, the nomination represents a return to African football’s elite. He currently leads the Champions League scoring charts with six goals; one ahead of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane.
If he wins, the former Napoli forward, winner in 2023, would join the select group of Nigerians who have claimed the honour more than once.
In the women’s category, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade made the final shortlist. She earned MVP honours at the 2025 WAFCON and later moved to PSG Féminine after helping Atlético Madrid Femenino secure Champions League qualification.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie earned her third consecutive final-three nomination after another commanding year for both club and country. She is joined by Khadija Er-Rmichi and Andile Dlamini.
Nigeria’s future also featured strongly, with U17 captain Shakirat Moshood shortlisted for the Women’s Young Player of the Year award.
However, there was disappointment for Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and U20 captain Daniel Bameyi, who both failed to make their respective final lists.
The CAF Awards will recognise performances recorded between 6 January and 15 October 2025.
