Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has broken her silence after failing to make CAF’s final three-woman shortlist for the 2025 Women’s Player of the Year award, despite an outstanding year for both club and country.
Okoronkwo, who originally made the initial 10-player shortlist, was omitted from the final trio of Rasheedat Ajibade, Ghizlane Chebbak, and Sanaa Mssoudy — a decision that has generated debate among fans and analysts across the continent.
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The Nigerian attacker was a key performer at the 2024 WAFCON, recording 1 goal and 6 assists, and played a decisive role in AFC Toronto’s season, helping the club lift the NSL Shield. Her recent first-half hat-trick in the NSL semi-final further highlighted her exceptional form.
Reacting to CAF’s final shortlist, Okoronkwo delivered a composed but pointed response, insisting her work on the pitch remains her true measure of success.
“CAF’s decision is noted, but my focus stays on the pitch where recognition is earned, not awarded,” she said. “Awards don’t always reflect reality, but the pitch never lies.”
Her comments have since sparked widespread conversations, with many supporters insisting she deserved a place among Africa’s top three. Still, Okoronkwo maintains her attention is on performance, consistency, and helping both club and country achieve greater heights in 2026.
Despite the CAF omission, the Nigerian forward remains one of the most in-form African attackers heading into the new year.
