Okoronkwo unfazed by CAF award snub

Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has expressed disappointment after being omitted from the final shortlist for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, despite a stellar season for both club and country, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Okoronkwo had initially featured in the 10-player provisional list, alongside top African talent, and was widely expected to make the final three nominees.

However, when CAF announced the shortlist on Sunday, her name was absent. The final nominees include Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade and Morocco’s Ghizlaine Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy.

Reacting to her omission on Instagram on Monday, Okoronkwo emphasised that while she was disappointed, her focus remained on her work on the pitch rather than external recognition.

She said that awards do not always reflect reality but that consistent performance in matches speaks for itself.

“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,” she wrote.

Okoronkwo’s 2025 season has been remarkable. She played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, finishing the tournament with two goals and six assists, and earning the Player of the Match award in the final against hosts Morocco.

In the decisive match, she converted a penalty to draw level and provided two assists to secure Nigeria’s 3–2 victory.

At club level, Okoronkwo was instrumental in AFC Toronto’s triumph in the inaugural Northern Super League Supporters’ Shield.

She recorded eight goals and seven assists in the regular season, finishing as the league’s top provider. Her decisive assist in the 2–1 victory over Montreal Roses sealed the historic first title for both the club and the player.

Among 45 foreign players in the NSL, Okoronkwo became the first African and one of only six foreign players to lift the league’s inaugural title.

CAF’s Women’s Player of the Year award recognises the continent’s best performers between January 6 and October 15, 2025.

Alongside Rasheedat Ajibade, Okoronkwo had been expected to challenge Morocco’s Ghizlaine Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy for the honour, given her outstanding contribution to both domestic and international competitions.

Despite her omission, Okoronkwo’s influence on the pitch remains undeniable. She directly contributed to over 20 goals across all competitions in 2025, while winning two major trophies: WAFCON and the NSL Shield.

Her creativity, consistency, and ability to deliver in decisive moments have made her one of the standout African footballers of the year.

In comparison, other nominees have enjoyed strong campaigns but fall short of Okoronkwo’s combined impact across Africa and North America.

Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga scored 15 goals and provided three assists for Kansas City Current, while Zambia’s Barbra Banda managed eight goals and two assists for Orlando Pride, without securing silverware.