Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo have been named among the top contenders for the 2025 CAF African Women’s Player of the Year award, following a stellar year that saw them power Nigeria to its record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the full list of nominees on Wednesday, marking the official countdown to the highly anticipated awards ceremony scheduled later this year.
CAF confirmed that this year’s shortlist celebrates performances from January 6 to October 15, 2025, with selections based on players’ impact across domestic leagues, continental tournaments, and international competitions. A panel made up of CAF legends, seasoned coaches, technical experts, and selected media professionals handled the nomination process.
🦅 Nigeria’s Women Make a Strong Showing
Ajibade, who now plays her club football at Paris Saint-Germain, and Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto, both played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s continental success. Their consistent performances throughout the year have earned them deserved spots in the final 10 nominees for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year.
Also flying the Nigerian flag is Chiamaka Nnadozie, who has been shortlisted for Goalkeeper of the Year after an exceptional season with Brighton & Hove Albion. Nnadozie recently earned global recognition with a 4th place finish for the Yashin Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards — a testament to her growing reputation between the posts.
On the coaching side, Justin Madugu (Super Falcons coach) and Bankole Olowookere (U-17 women’s coach) have both been nominated for Women’s Coach of the Year, underlining Nigeria’s depth in leadership.
Promising talent Shakirat Abidemi Moshood (Bayelsa Queens) is also in the spotlight, competing for the Young Player of the Year honour. Meanwhile, Bayelsa Queens are up for Club of the Year, and both the Super Falcons and Nigeria’s U-17 team are nominated for National Team of the Year.
*Full List of 2025 CAF Awards – Women’s Categories (Selected Highlights)*
*CAF Women’s Player of the Year Nominees*:
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria/Paris Saint-Germain)
Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria/AFC Toronto)
Barbra Banda (Zambia/Orlando Pride)
Rachael Kundananji (Zambia/Bay FC)
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi/OL Lyonnais)
Mama Diop (Senegal/RC Strasbourg)
Temwa Chawinga (Malawi/Kansas City)
Portia Boakye (Ghana/Hapoel Petah Tikva)
Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco/Al Hilal)
Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco/AS FAR)
*Goalkeeper of the Year Nominees*:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria/Brighton & Hove Albion)
Andile Dlamini (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns)
Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco/AS FAR)
Chloe N’Gazi (Algeria/Olympique de Marseille)
Sedilame Boseja (Botswana/Mamelodi Sundowns)
*Coach of the Year Nominees*:
Justin Madugu (Nigeria)
Bankole Olowookere (Nigeria U-17)
Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
Jorge Vilda (Morocco)
Lamia Boumehdi (Morocco/TP Mazembe)
*Young Player of the Year Nominees*:
Shakirat Abidemi Moshood (Nigeria/Bayelsa Queens)
Stella Nyamekye (Ghana/Fort Lauderdale United)
Doha El Madani (Morocco/AS FAR)
Esther Maseke Marwa (Tanzania/JKT Queens)
*National Team of the Year Nominees*:
Nigeria
Nigeria U-17
South Africa
Ghana
Morocco
*Club of the Year Nominees*:
Bayelsa Queens (Nigeria)
AS FAR (Morocco)
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
JKT Queens (Tanzania)
