The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially released the nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards, with Nigeria once again dominating the continental award.
From players and coaches to national teams, Nigerian names feature prominently across nearly every women’s category.
The announcement was made through CAF’s official communication channels on Saturday, confirming nominees for the 2025 ceremony scheduled to take place on November 19 in Morocco.
The awards will recognise performances between 6 January and 15 October 2025, celebrating players, coaches, and teams that have excelled both domestically and internationally.
A CAF statement explained that “a technical panel comprising members of the Development Committee, former players, coaches, and selected media representatives” was responsible for selecting the shortlist.
Super Falcons Lead the 2025 CAF Awards Charge
Nigeria’s reigning African champions, the Super Falcons, headline the nominations. The team was shortlisted for Women’s National Team of the Year, alongside the U-17 Flamingos, who also earned recognition after qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Both teams delivered remarkable campaigns. While the Falcons clinched their record-extending 10th WAFCON title in Morocco earlier this year, the Flamingos continued to impress on the youth stage.
Okoronkwo and Ajibade Compete for Women’s Player of the Year
Two of Nigeria’s brightest stars, Esther Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade are among the 10 nominees for CAF Women’s Player of the Year, standing shoulder to shoulder with Africa’s best.
Esther Okoronkwo, who shone for AFC Toronto, played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s WAFCON triumph. She contributed six assists and a crucial goal in the final against Morocco.
At 28, her journey from France to North America has turned her into one of Africa’s most technically gifted forwards.
Meanwhile, Rasheedat Ajibade, captain of the Super Falcons and forward for Paris Saint-Germain, delivered a leader’s performance throughout the WAFCON.
The 25-year-old was named Player of the Tournament, scoring once and earning three Woman of the Match awards as she has established herself as one of the most influential figures in African football.
They will face fierce competition from the likes of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji (Zambia), Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco), and Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi).
Nnadozie Eyes Third Straight Goalkeeper Crown
Another Nigerian headline act is Chiamaka Nnadozie, nominated for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third consecutive time.
The Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper is fresh off a historic year in which she also earned nominations for both The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Award 2025 and the Women’s Yachine Trophy at the Ballon d’Or.
The Africa’s top shot-stopper’s exploits for Paris FC last season, including her penalty heroics in the Coupe de France Féminine final, and her Golden Glove-winning display at WAFCON 2024.
She will compete with Andile Dlamini (South Africa), Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco), and Sedilame Boseja (Botswana) to defend her award.
Madugu and Olowookere Nominated for Women’s Coach of the Year
Nigeria’s domestic coaching brilliance is also in the spotlight, with Justin Madugu and Bankole Olowookere both shortlisted for Women’s Coach of the Year.
Justin Madugu, who guided the Super Falcons to their record 10th WAFCON crown with a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco, has been praised for his tactical discipline and leadership.
It was his first major tournament as head coach, and his ability to outwit Spain’s World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda in the final earned him widespread acclaim.
His compatriot, Bankole Olowookere, has also earned continental recognition after steering the U-17 Flamingos to consistent performances, including qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Olowookere, who led Nigeria to a historic bronze medal finish at the 2022 U-17 World Cup, is regarded as a key figure in Nigeria’s youth football development.
Both coaches will contest the award against heavyweights such as Desiree Ellis (South Africa), Lamia Boumehdi (Morocco), and Jorge Vilda (Morocco).
Young Talent and Club Representation
Rising star Shakirat Abidemi Moshood of Bayelsa Queens was nominated for Women’s Young Player of the Year, following her impressive performances in the CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers and domestic league.
Bayelsa Queens themselves were also nominated for Women’s Club of the Year, joining continental heavyweights such as AS FAR (Morocco), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire).
Nigeria’s Golden Legacy in Focus
As the 2025 CAF Awards approach, the new generation of Falcons; Ajibade, Okoronkwo, Nnadozie, and others will carry the torch forward.
From Perpetua Nwokocha’s four-time reign as Africa’s best to Asisat Oshoala’s record six awards, the CAF stage has long reflected Nigeria’s unrivaled dominance.
The 2025 CAF Awards will take place on November 19 in Morocco, celebrating Africa’s best talents and the nations that continue to raise the bar for football excellence.
Full List of Nigerian Nominees (Women’s Categories)
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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)
