Esther Okoronkwo has been voted the Super Falcons’ Fans’ Player of the Tournament at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), capping off a memorable campaign in which she played a vital role in Nigeria’s record-extending 10th continental title win.
The announcement was made Tuesday via the Super Falcons’ official X (formerly Twitter) handle, where fans applauded her consistency, leadership, and clutch contributions.
“Presenting your #WAFCON2024 Fans’ Player of the Tournament… Esther Okoronkwo, OON. Clutch. Composed. Crowned by the people,” the team posted.
Okoronkwo’s standout performances began in the knockout stages. She netted a goal and delivered two assists during Nigeria’s emphatic 5–0 quarter-final victory over Zambia. But it was in the final against host nation Morocco that she cemented her status as a tournament icon.
Trailing in the second half, the 28-year-old forward sparked Nigeria’s comeback by coolly converting a penalty in the 60th minute. She then assisted Folashade Ijamilusi’s equalizer and delivered a pinpoint free-kick that led to Jennifer Echegini’s dramatic 88th-minute winner, sealing a thrilling 3–2 victory in Rabat.
Okoronkwo’s heroics earned her the Player of the Match award in the final and ultimately led to her fan-voted recognition.
She was among six Falcons nominated for the award, alongside standout teammates:
- Jennifer Echegini
- Ashleigh Plumptre
- Rasheedat Ajibade
- Chinwendu Ihezuo
- Folashade Ijamilusi
The poll launched Monday encouraged fans to vote for the player who made the greatest impact throughout the tournament—and Okoronkwo emerged the clear favorite.
Her WAFCON success was further recognized with a spot in the CAF Team of the Tournament, joining three other Nigerians:
- Chiamaka Nnadozie (goalkeeper)
- Michelle Alozie (defender)
- Rasheedat Ajibade (captain)
Ajibade, who was named the tournament’s Best Player, praised the team’s unity and resilience, but it was Okoronkwo’s composure and ability to deliver in critical moments that captured the fans’ hearts.
