The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the nominees for the 2025 CAF Women’s Awards, and Nigeria is once again flying high with a strong presence across multiple categories.
The awards, which recognise excellence in African women’s football will celebrate players, coaches, and teams that have made outstanding contributions to the growth of the game on the continent.
Nigeria’s Nominees
The Super Falcons cemented their status as Africa’s most successful women’s team after winning the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Morocco in the final. Their victory not only earned them continental glory but also booked their place at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they are expected to make another bold statement on the global stage.
The Nigeria U-17 women’s team also shone brightly, earning international plaudits for their resilience and exciting style of play, which has now been rewarded with a nomination for Team of the Year.
Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain) and Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto) were both instrumental in Nigeria’s triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Ajibade, wearing the captain’s armband, led from the front with her pace, creativity, and crucial goals that inspired the Super Falcons to victory over Morocco in the final. Okoronkwo proved just as decisive, scoring in key knockout matches and linking up brilliantly in attack to ensure Nigeria secured their record-extending continental title.
Since then, Ajibade has carried her form into Europe with her new club Paris Saint-Germain, where she has become a reliable forward, contributing goals and assists in both league and Champions League matches. Okoronkwo, with AFC Toronto, has also impressed in North America, adapting quickly and delivering consistent performances, with a growing reputation as a powerful striker who can turn games in her team’s favour.
Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion), the two-time winner looking to defend her crown after a successful outing with the Falcons. Chiamaka Nnadozie was Nigeria’s starting goalkeeper for the entire 2024 Women’s AFCON conceding only 3 goals. she played 6 matches and kept 4 clean sheets.
At her new club Brighton & Hove Albion (2025/26 season), she has played 11 matches, kept 6 clean sheets, and conceded 7 goals so far.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons Coach, Justin Madugu guided the Falcons to the 2024 African championship, and Bankole Olowookere, who led Nigeria’s U-17 women to global recognition. This strong record puts both men in the Coach of the Year category.
Nigeria’s Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens), a rising star who made headlines in both the domestic league and on the continental stage has earned her this recognition.
Bayelsa Queens F.C, Nigeria’s flagbearers in continental club football were exception in the continental outing which earns them this recognition.
A Celebration of Nigerian Football
With the representation across all major categories, from players to coaches, clubs, and national teams, Nigeria has proven once again that it is a powerhouse of women’s football on the continent.
The CAF Awards 2025 will not only honour individual brilliance but also showcase Nigeria’s collective dominance and impact on African football.
