From Ajibade to Nnadozie: Meet Nigeria’s CAF Awards Hopefuls
For decades, Nigeria has been the heartbeat of women’s football in Africa — and the CAF Awards have reflected that dominance. From Perpetua Nwokocha’s four-time reign as Africa’s best to Asisat Oshoala’s record six wins, Nigerian players have consistently shaped the women’s game on the continent.
As the 2025 CAF Awards draw near, that legacy continues. The Super Falcons and their coaches are strongly represented across multiple categories, reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring influence in African women’s football.
Set for November 19 in Morocco, the ceremony will honour players, coaches, and teams who have excelled between January and October 2025. A panel of CAF technical experts, legends, and journalists shortlisted the nominees — and once again, Nigeria is front and centre in the women’s player, coach, and goalkeeper categories.
Here Are the Nigerian Stars Vying for Glory at the 2025 CAF Women’s Awards:
WOMEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR
This award honours coaches whose leadership, vision, and results have inspired success on the pitch.
Justine Madugu
The coach from Adamawa State etched his name into history by leading the Super Falcons to their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title — a dramatic 3–2 comeback win over host nation Morocco in Rabat.
It was Madugu’s first WAFCON as head coach, though he had served for years as an assistant. His tactical bravery and calm leadership not only delivered Nigeria’s record-extending triumph but also revived faith in homegrown coaching talent. In the final, he outclassed Spain’s World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda, proving that indigenous coaches can excel on any stage.
Madugu is up against compatriot Bankole Olowookere and Desiree Ellis of South Africa, who has won the award twice consecutively.
Bankole Olowookere
At 44, Bankole Olowookere has quietly built one of the most inspiring success stories in Nigerian women’s football. Appointed coach of the U-17 women’s team (the Flamingos) in 2020, he guided them through pandemic-disrupted qualifiers and led Nigeria to a historic bronze medal at the 2022 U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Although the Flamingos exited in the round of 16 at the 2025 edition, Olowookere’s consistency and dedication to youth development have earned him continental respect. He joins Zambia’s Carol Kanyemba and Côte d’Ivoire’s Adelaide Koudougnon as fellow nominees.
WOMEN’S GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR
This category celebrates Africa’s most commanding presence between the posts — and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie stands tall among them.
Now at Brighton & Hove Albion, Nnadozie was named Best Goalkeeper at WAFCON 2024 following a string of heroic performances that powered the Super Falcons to the final. Her leadership, composure, and reflexes have made her a pillar of Nigeria’s defence and a role model for young African goalkeepers.
A two-time CAF Goalkeeper of the Year, she is also shortlisted for The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Award 2025, underscoring her global impact.
Her closest rivals for the CAF award are Andile Dlamini and Sedilame Boseja, both of Mamelodi Sundowns.
WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR
The most competitive category of all — and Nigeria boasts two of Africa’s finest talents.
Esther Okoronkwo
At 28, Esther Okoronkwo fulfilled her dream of representing Nigeria at WAFCON — and did it unforgettably. The AFC Toronto forward was one of the standout performers of the 2024 tournament, providing six assists and scoring a crucial goal in the final against Morocco.
Her blend of vision, technique, and composure helped spark Nigeria’s comeback, as she converted from the spot and later set up the winning goal in the 3–2 victory. From France to Spain to China, Okoronkwo’s global journey has refined her into one of Africa’s most complete forwards.
Rasheedat Ajibade
Captain of the Super Falcons and forward for Paris Saint-Germain, Rasheedat Ajibade was named Woman of the Tournament at WAFCON 2024, leading Nigeria to their 10th continental crown.
At just 25, her leadership and tenacity on and off the pitch continue to inspire. She scored once, claimed three Woman of the Match awards, and embodied the spirit of resilience that defined Nigeria’s campaign.
Ajibade faces stiff competition from Morocco’s Ghizlaine Chebbak (Golden Boot winner) and Zambia’s prolific duo Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji.
