Boluwatife Kehinde
Esther Okoronkwo has emphasized that her focus remains firmly on the pitch after being omitted from the final top three shortlist for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award.
Okoronkwo was originally among the longlist for the African Women’s Player of the Year, alongside Rasheedat Ajibade, Barbra Banda and several other top African players.
The final three nominees for the CAF African Women’s Player of the Year 2025 include Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco / Al Hilal),Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR)and fellow Compatriot Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria / Paris Saint-Germain)
Reacting on Instagram after missing the top three, Okoronkwo wrote:
“I remain grateful for all the love and 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.”
At the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Okoronkwo played a significant role for Nigeria. She featured in six matches, scoring two crucial goals and providing six assists.
In the final against Morocco, she scored from the penalty spot and delivered two assists, helping Nigeria secure the trophy. She was also named Woman of the Match in the final.
At club level with AFC Toronto, Okoronkwo enjoyed an impressive season: 20 appearances, 8 goals, and 7 assists—finishing as the league’s top assist provider and one of the team’s most influential attackers.
Okoronkwo reacts after missing CAF women’s player final list
