Nigeria Dominates 2025 CAF Awards Nominations As Ajibade, Nnadozie And Super Falcons Take Spotlight

Nigeria has once again stamped its authority in African women’s football, securing multiple nominations at the 2025 CAF Awards.

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, star goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and several Nigerian teams and coaches were all named among this year’s top contenders, following a remarkable season of achievements on the continent.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the nominees on Friday, with Nigeria dominating nearly every major women’s category.

Ajibade, who captained Nigeria to their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco, was nominated for African Player of the Year alongside her teammate Esther Okoronkwo. Ajibade also earned the Player of the Tournament award at WAFCON after three Woman of the Match performances, one goal, and two assists.

Okoronkwo, representing AFC Toronto in Canada, stood out with two goals and four assists, including a match-winning performance in the final, which earned her the Woman of the Match award.

In the Goalkeeper of the Year category, Chiamaka Nnadozie of Brighton & Hove Albion is aiming for her third straight win after claiming the award in the last two editions.

The Super Falcons themselves were nominated for National Team of the Year after reclaiming the continental crown under head coach Justine Madugu, who was also shortlisted for Coach of the Year.

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, earned a place in the same team category after going unbeaten in their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Their coach, Bankole Olowookere, was also recognized for guiding one of Africa’s most promising youth squads.

Flamingos captain Shakirat Moshood made the final list for CAF Young Player of the Year, reflecting the country’s depth of emerging talent.

Rounding off Nigeria’s impressive list of nominees, Bayelsa Queens, winners of the 2025 Nigerian Women’s Football League, were shortlisted for Club of the Year. They’ll compete against African heavyweights like Mamelodi Sundowns, ASFAR, TP Mazembe, and Gaborone United.

With nominations across nearly all categories, Nigeria’s presence at the 2025 CAF Awards reaffirms its reputation as the heartbeat of women’s football on the continent.