The 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), held in Morocco, concluded in dramatic fashion with Nigeria’s Super Falcons staging a stunning comeback to defeat the hosts 3–2 in the final.
While the tournament spotlight was firmly on Nigeria’s 10th title triumph, individual and team brilliance across the continent was also celebrated with prestigious awards that showcased the rising quality of African women’s football.
Below is a breakdown of the standout honours from the tournament:
🏆 Player of the Tournament — Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)
Ajibade captained the Super Falcons with composure, grit, and consistent excellence. Her leadership was instrumental in Nigeria’s unbeaten run, and she contributed directly to six goals (3 goals and 3 assists) during the campaign. Her vision, creativity, and ability to take control of crucial moments earned her the tournament’s top individual honour.
Ajibade’s redemption arc—from a red card in the 2022 WAFCON semifinal to lifting the trophy in 2025—captured the imagination of fans and media alike. She also won three consecutive Woman of the Match awards during the group and knockout stages.
“I’m humbled. This is not just my award. It belongs to my team, the coaches, and every Nigerian girl dreaming of greatness,” she said after receiving the award.
Ajibade receives her award.
⚽ Golden Boot (Top Scorer) — Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco)
Morocco’s captain, Ghizlane Chebbak, claimed the Golden Boot with five goals, edging out rivals to become the top scorer. Her leadership and consistency helped Morocco reach unprecedented heights as hosts, including a second consecutive final appearance.
Ajibade and Chebbak also contributed assists, while Hilda Magaia’s explosive pace and clinical finishing helped South Africa secure third place. Magaia scored twice and was instrumental in Banyana Banyana’s attacking play.
🧤 Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper) — Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Nnadozie was a rock in goal for Nigeria. Her performances were defined by composure, sharp reflexes, and leadership at the back. She kept four clean sheets and made decisive saves in both the group and knockout stages, including a vital stop against South Africa in the semifinals.
Nnadozie receives her award.
She also captained the side briefly during group play and is widely regarded as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers. The Paris FC shot-stopper conceded only three goals in six matches.
🌍 Rising Stars and Team Recognition
🌟 Best Young Player — Nesryne El Chad (Morocco)
The 20-year-old defender was a revelation for the Moroccan team. Calm under pressure and physically dominant, El Chad anchored Morocco’s backline and impressed scouts and analysts throughout the tournament. She is expected to be a mainstay of the Moroccan national team in years to come.
🤝 Fair Play Award — South Africa Women’s National Team
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana were recognized with the Fair Play Award for their discipline and respect throughout the event. They also finished fourth after a narrow loss to Ghana in the third-place playoff.
🎯 Woman of the Match (Final) — Jennifer Echegini (Nigeria)
Echegini’s late 88th-minute winner against Morocco completed Nigeria’s comeback and secured the title. Her powerful header and commanding midfield display earned her the match’s top honour and underlined her growing influence in the squad. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was also involved in the build-up to Nigeria’s second goal.
Jennifer Echegini celebrates her match-winning goal.
📝 CAF Team of the Tournament — Best XI
CAF released a best XI featuring the most outstanding players across all positions. Notable inclusions were:
- Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)
- Ashleigh Plumptre (Nigeria)
- Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
- Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco)
- Nesryne El Chad (Morocco)
- Hilda Magaia (South Africa)
This line-up reflected the balance of experience and emerging talent on the continent. Nigeria had the most representatives, highlighting their dominance.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 WAFCON was not only a celebration of Nigeria’s dominance but a clear signal that African women’s football is reaching new heights. The individual awards recognised both seasoned veterans and breakout stars, pointing toward a vibrant and competitive future.
As CAF expands investment and global viewership grows, fans can look forward to even more thrilling tournaments — and more heroes — in the years ahead.
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