Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has shared her reaction after missing out on CAF’s final three-player shortlist for the 2025 African Women’s Player of the Year award.

Okoronkwo, who made the initial 10-player shortlist, enjoyed an outstanding year with 27 goal contributions across all competitions a season many felt placed her firmly among Africa’s best.

At the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), she was instrumental in Nigeria’s title-winning run, scoring 2 goals and providing 6 assists. In the dramatic final comeback against Morocco, she was involved in all three goals, contributing a goal and two assists, and earning Player of the Match honours.

Her club season was equally impressive. Okoronkwo led AFC Toronto to the NSL Shield and reached the Northern Super League final, where they narrowly lost 2–1 to Vancouver Rise. She recorded 11 goals and 8 assists in league play.

Reacting via her Instagram story, Okoronkwo remained humble and focused despite the disappointment of being left off 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.”

The CAF Awards ceremony will hold in Morocco on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, with Rasheedat Ajibade, Ghizlane Chebbak, or Sanaâ Mssoudy set to be crowned African Women’s Player of the Year.