Nigeria’s Esther Okoronkwo fumes over CAF Women’s Player of the Year final shortlist snub

The Super Eagles of Nigeria attacker Esther Okoronkwo has expressed her displeasure after being left out of the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award final shortlist.

Okoronkwo, who plies her trade for American outfit Toronto FC phenomenal campaign during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The forward racked up a goal and provided six assists, as the Super Falcons triumphed over South African to annex the title.

Okoronkwo was initially included in the provisional shortlist (10 players) before missing out on the final three list.

However, the enterprising has taken to social media, expressing frustration after being snubbed from the final shortlist.

“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 on Instagram.

The final three contenders for the award are Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade and Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy.

The highly-anticipated CAF awards has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025 in Rabat, Morocco.