Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has reacted after failing to make the final shortlist for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, Bold Sports reports.
Okoronkwo was initially included in the 10-woman shortlist released in October but did not make the final three announced by CAF on Sunday. Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, along with Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy, were the players who eventually made the cut.
Her omission sparked surprise and debate among supporters, given her exceptional performances for both club and country over the past year. The 28-year-old played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s record-extending 10th WAFCON triumph, delivering crucial assists in the quarterfinal, semifinal and final against Zambia, South Africa and Morocco respectively.
At club level, Okoronkwo was equally impressive, helping AFC Toronto clinch the league’s inaugural NSL Shield in September, and more recently scoring a hat-trick in a 4–1 victory over Montreal Roses, a result that secured her team’s place in the Northern Super League final.
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Taking to her Instagram story to respond to the development, Okoronkwo 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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