Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has missed out on the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, with Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak named the continent’s best on Wednesday night in Rabat.
Ajibade, widely seen as one of the frontrunners, enjoyed a stellar year for Nigeria, leading the Super Falcons to a record-extending tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
She was named Player of the Tournament and earned a spot in the Team of the Tournament, but the top individual prize slipped away.
Photo Credit: X
Chebbak won the award ahead of Ajibade and PSG’s Sanaa Mssoudy. The Moroccan midfielder recorded 8 goals and 4 assists in 34 matches for club and country this year, though she did not lift any major trophy.
She won the golden boot at WAFCON 2024 as Morocco lost to Nigeria in the finals.
Ghizlane Chebbak alongside Super Falcons duo of Nnadozie and Ajibade. Photo Credit: CAF
The decision has stirred debate among fans, especially with Ajibade who produced 9 goals and 5 assists in 35 games, alongside the WAFCON title.
Nigerian forward Esther Okoronkwo who registered 14 goals, 15 assists in 31 matches and won two trophies didn’t make the final three despite having an inspiring season.
Esther Okoronkwo has 29 goals contribution in 30 matches for club and country in 2025 . Photo Credit: Getty Images
Nigeria still had a strong night in Rabat. Chiamaka Nnadozie claimed the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for a third consecutive year after an exceptional season that included a Coupe de France Féminine triumph and another commanding WAFCON campaign.
READ MORE:nnadozie-secures-third-consecutive-caf-goalkeeper-honour
Teenage sensation Shakirat Moshood also made the final shortlist for Women’s Young Player of the Year but missed out on the trophy.
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The Super Falcons were crowned the Women’s National Team of the Year following their historic WAFCON success.
