Nigerian international Esther Okoronkwo says she remains focused on improving her game despite missing out on the three-woman shortlist for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, SportPremi reports.
Okoronkwo, 28, was included in the initial shortlist for the award and was regarded as a frontrunner to claim the prestigious crown following her exploits at the 2025 Women’s African Cup of Nations tournament.
However, the Toronto forward was a notable absentee from the final three-woman list released earlier this week by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The former Tenerife forward scored once and provided six assists in Nigeria’s run to a record-extending 10th continental title in the summer.
Esther Okoronkwo has also been a standout player for her club side this season, guiding them to the 2025 Canadian Northern Super League Shield, a first in the club’s history.
Okoronkwo disappointed at CAF award snub
Many had expected Esther Okoronkwo to make the final three-woman shortlist for the CAF Women’s player of the year award.
However, the 28-year-old misses out despite enjoying an impressive year for club and country.
Reacting to the situation in a post on instagram, the Toronto forward expressed appreciation for the support received and stressed the need to focus on improving her game.
“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”, the Super Falcons forward said.
When is the 2025 CAF Awards?
The 2025 edition of the CAF Awards will take place in Morocco on Wednesday, 19th of November 2025.
The full list of nominees in full:
Men’s Category:
CAF Men’s player of the year: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain), Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool), and Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Galatasaray).
Best Goalkeeper award: Yassine Bounou(Morocco, Al Hilal), Mounir Mohamedi (Morocco, RS Berkane), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)
Interclub Player of the Year category: Mohamed Chibi(Morocco, Pyramids FC), Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco, Renaissance Berkane), and Fiston Mayele (DR Congo).
Coach of the Year award: Mohamed Ouahbi, Walid Regragui, and Budista (Cape Verde).
Young Player of the Year award: Othmane Maamma(Morocco, Watford), Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco, Ajax), and Tylon Smith (South Africa, Queens Park Rangers).
National Team of the Year category sees the Moroccan national A team and the Moroccan under-20 national team nominated alongside the Cape Verdean selection.
African Club of the Year award: Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (Morocco), Pyramids FC (Egypt), and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa).
Women’s category:
CAF Women’s player of the year: Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco / Al Hilal), Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR), Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria / Paris Saint-Germain).
Women’s goalkeeper of the year: Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco / AS FAR), Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Brighton & Hove Albion), Andile Dlamini (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns).
CAF Women’s young player of the player: Doha El Madani (20) (Morocco / AS FAR), Adji Ndiaye (19) (Senegal / AS Bambey), Shakirat Abidemi Moshood (Nigeria / Bayelsa Queens).
Women’s National team of the year: Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria.
