Esther Okoronkwo has been named the Super Falcons’ Fans’ Player of the Tournament at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following a string of decisive performances that helped Nigeria clinch their record-extending 10th continental title.
The announcement was made via the Super Falcons’ official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, with the team celebrating the forward’s outstanding impact throughout the tournament in Morocco.
“Presenting your #WAFCON2024 Fans’ Player of the Tournament… Esther Okoronkwo, OON. Clutch. Composed. Crowned by the people,” the post read.
Okoronkwo, 28, played a key role in Nigeria’s title-winning run, particularly in the knockout stages. In the quarter-final against Zambia, she scored once and provided two assists in a commanding 5–0 victory.
Her most memorable performance came in the final against hosts Morocco. With Nigeria trailing, she converted a crucial 60th-minute penalty to level the match, then assisted Folashade Ijamilusi for a 70th-minute goal. In the dying moments, she delivered a perfect free-kick that led to Jennifer Echegini’s 88th-minute winner, sealing a thrilling 3–2 victory for the Falcons in Rabat.
Her match-winning display in the final earned her the Player of the Match award and widespread praise from fans and pundits alike. She was one of six players shortlisted for the fan-voted award, alongside Jennifer Echegini, Ashleigh Plumptre, Rasheedat Ajibade, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Folashade Ijamilusi.
The online poll was launched on Monday, encouraging supporters to select the player who made the biggest impact during Nigeria’s historic campaign under head coach Justine Pwanidi Madugu.
Okoronkwo’s performances also earned her a spot in the CAF Team of the Tournament, joining fellow Nigerians Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, and Rasheedat Ajibade, who was named Best Player of the Tournament.
