Esther Okoronkwo reacts on missing out on CAF Award final shortlist

Nigerian women’s national team forward Esther Okoronkwo has issued a strong response after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) excluded her from the final shortlist for the 2025 Women’s Player of the Year Award.

Okoronkwo, who was a surprising omission from the final three-player list after initially being named in the top 10, took to social media to share her perspective.

The decision has raised eyebrows across the continent, given Okoronkwo’s impressive output for both club and country. The 28-year-old registered one goal and six assists for the Super Falcons during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. She also enjoyed an outstanding club campaign, helping AFC Toronto clinch the inaugural NSL Shield in September.

Esther Okoronkwo: “The Pitch Never Lies”

Reacting via her Instagram story, Okoronkwo thanked CAF for the initial recognition but firmly stated that awards do not always reflect a player’s true value.

“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,” she wrote. “Awards don’t always reflect reality, but the pitch never lies.”

The final shortlist for the prestigious award includes Okoronkwo’s Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, alongside the Moroccan duo Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy.