Nigeria’s senior women’s national team captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, has been named among the final three contenders for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year, capping a stellar year for both club and country.

 

Ajibade’s nomination crowns a season marked by standout performances across major competitions, solidifying her reputation as one of Africa’s most influential footballers.

 

The Paris Saint-Germain Féminine forward played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s historic 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph in Morocco. She was instrumental throughout the tournament and was ultimately crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the competition as the Super Falcons clinched their 10th continental title.

 

Before her summer move to PSG, Ajibade helped Atlético Madrid Femenino secure qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League, underscoring her impact at club level.

 

She will now compete for Africa’s top individual honour against two Moroccan stars:

• Ghizlane Chebbak (Al Hilal) – top scorer at WAFCON 2024

• Sanaa Mssoudy (AS FAR) – a consistent attacking presence for both club and country

 

Despite her impressive performances, including winning the MVP award in the WAFCON final, Nigeria’s Esther Okoronkwo narrowly missed out on a spot in the top three.

 

Ajibade will hope to cap her remarkable year when CAF announces the winners on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, in Rabat, Morocco.