The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards, and Nigeria once again stands tall, featuring prominently across nearly every women’s category, from players and coaches to national teams.
- Super Falcons and Flamingos Headline Team Categories
- Okoronkwo and Ajibade Battle for Women’s Player of the Year
- Nnadozie Targets Third Straight Goalkeeper Crown
- Madugu and Olowookere Nominated for Women’s Coach of the Year
- Rising Star and Club Recognition
- Nigeria’s Golden Legacy Continues
- Full List of Nigerian Nominees (Women’s Categories)
The announcement, made via CAF’s official channels on Saturday, confirmed that the prestigious ceremony will take place on November 19, 2025, in Morocco.
The awards will celebrate performances between January 6 and October 15, 2025, honoring those who have excelled both domestically and internationally.
CAF stated that the shortlist was selected by “a technical panel comprising members of the Development Committee, former players, coaches, and selected media representatives.”
Super Falcons and Flamingos Headline Team Categories
Nigeria’s Super Falcons, reigning African champions, headline the nominations after clinching their record-extending 10th WAFCON title in Morocco earlier this year. They are shortlisted for Women’s National Team of the Year, joined by the U-17 Flamingos, who earned recognition following their qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Both sides delivered remarkable campaigns, the Falcons reaffirming their continental dominance and the Flamingos continuing Nigeria’s rich tradition of youth football excellence.
Okoronkwo and Ajibade Battle for Women’s Player of the Year
Two of Nigeria’s brightest talents, Esther Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade, are among the 10 nominees for CAF Women’s Player of the Year.
- Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto) dazzled at the 2024 WAFCON, recording six assists and one goal in the final against Morocco, cementing her reputation as one of Africa’s most technically gifted forwards.
- Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain), captain of the Super Falcons, delivered a standout tournament, earning the Player of the Tournament award, scoring once, and winning three Woman of the Match titles.
They will contend with top stars like Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji (Zambia), Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco), and Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi).
Nnadozie Targets Third Straight Goalkeeper Crown
Super Falcons’ shot-stopper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been nominated for Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the third consecutive time.
Now at Brighton & Hove Albion, Nnadozie enjoyed a stellar year, also earning nominations for The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper 2025 and the Women’s Yachine Trophy.
Her heroic saves in Paris FC’s Coupe de France Féminine triumph and her Golden Glove performance at WAFCON 2024 underline why she remains Africa’s finest between the posts.
She faces competition from Andile Dlamini (South Africa), Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco), and Sedilame Boseja (Botswana).
Madugu and Olowookere Nominated for Women’s Coach of the Year
Nigeria’s coaching brilliance continues to shine, with Justin Madugu (Super Falcons) and Bankole Olowookere (U-17 Flamingos) both earning nominations for Women’s Coach of the Year.
- Madugu led Nigeria to their record 10th WAFCON crown, defeating hosts Morocco 3–2 in a dramatic final. His tactical intelligence, especially against World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda, drew widespread praise.
- Olowookere, a key architect of Nigeria’s youth football success, guided the Flamingos to consistent performances and qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, continuing from his historic bronze medal finish at the 2022 U-17 World Cup.
Both coaches are up against Desiree Ellis (South Africa), Lamia Boumehdi (Morocco), and Jorge Vilda (Morocco).
Rising Star and Club Recognition
Youngster Shakirat Abidemi Moshood of Bayelsa Queens was shortlisted for Women’s Young Player of the Year, following standout displays in both the CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers and the Nigerian domestic league.
Her club, Bayelsa Queens, also earned a nomination for Women’s Club of the Year, competing with AS FAR (Morocco), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire).
Nigeria’s Golden Legacy Continues
From Perpetua Nwokocha’s four-time reign as Africa’s best to Asisat Oshoala’s record six CAF Awards, Nigeria’s women’s football legacy continues to set the standard.
With new icons like Ajibade, Okoronkwo, Nnadozie, and Moshood, the 2025 CAF Awards could further cement Nigeria’s reputation as Africa’s football powerhouse.
The ceremony will take place on November 19, 2025, in Morocco, celebrating the continent’s finest footballing talent.
Full List of Nigerian Nominees (Women’s Categories)
Women’s Player of the Year
- Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria / Paris Saint-Germain)
- Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria / AFC Toronto)
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year
- Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Brighton & Hove Albion)
Women’s Coach of the Year
- Justin Madugu (Super Falcons)
- Bankole Olowookere (Nigeria U-17)
Women’s Young Player of the Year
- Shakirat Abidemi Moshood (Nigeria / Bayelsa Queens)
Women’s Club of the Year
- Bayelsa Queens (Nigeria)
Women’s National Team of the Year
- Nigeria (Super Falcons)
- Nigeria U-17 (Flamingos)
