Nigerian football stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie have been nominated for top honors at the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards, as the continent gears up to celebrate its best players, coaches, and teams of the year. The nominations, announced by CAF on Friday, highlight Nigeria’s strong representation across multiple categories following an impressive year for the Super Falcons on the international stage.
Ajibade, who plays for Atlético Madrid Femenino, was shortlisted for the prestigious African Women’s Player of the Year award after a remarkable season for both club and country. The winger’s consistent performance, leadership, and goal-scoring ability for the Super Falcons earned her widespread praise during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers and international friendlies.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, the dynamic Paris FC goalkeeper, also made the shortlist for her outstanding contributions in goal for Nigeria. Her heroics in penalty saves and commanding presence between the posts have established her as one of Africa’s top female goalkeepers. Nnadozie, who captained the Super Falcons during their recent campaigns, has been credited with helping Nigeria maintain its dominance in women’s football on the continent.
The Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, were also nominated for the Women’s National Team of the Year category. The nomination recognizes their resilience and teamwork, especially following their strong showing at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they reached the round of 16 and earned global admiration for their spirited performances against higher-ranked teams.
On the men’s side, Nigeria also featured prominently, with Super Eagles players and officials earning recognition. Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who won the 2023 African Player of the Year award, made the list again after another prolific season in Italy’s Serie A. His inclusion fuels anticipation over whether he can retain the title amid stiff competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Senegal’s Sadio Mané, and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah.
CAF also recognized Nigerian women’s football coach Randy Waldrum in the Women’s Coach of the Year category, following his tactical ingenuity and leadership in guiding the Super Falcons through a transitional phase. Waldrum’s inclusion, observers say, underscores CAF’s acknowledgment of Nigeria’s continued impact on the women’s game across Africa.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) expressed pride over the multiple nominations, describing them as a testament to the nation’s enduring football legacy. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau lauded the players and coaches for their hard work and resilience, stating that their recognition “reflects the excellence and passion that define Nigerian football.”
Football analysts have also applauded the growing influence of Nigerian women’s football globally. They noted that Ajibade and Nnadozie’s nominations represent not only personal milestones but also the progress made by African female athletes in earning recognition on international platforms traditionally dominated by men.
The CAF Awards, scheduled to take place in Marrakech, Morocco, later this year, will honor outstanding achievements across African football, including men’s and women’s categories, inter-club competitions, and youth development. The ceremony is expected to draw some of the biggest names in African and world football, celebrating a year of remarkable talent and success stories.
As excitement builds ahead of the event, Nigerian fans have taken to social media to rally support for their favorites, expressing hope that the country will once again make history on the continental stage. With Ajibade, Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons leading the charge, Nigeria’s football community is optimistic about another memorable night at Africa’s most prestigious football awards.
