Nigerian football fans were left disappointed on Wednesday evening as the Super Falcons’ Rasheedat Ajibade narrowly missed out on the continent’s top individual honour, with Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak claiming the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.
The prestigious ceremony, held in the Moroccan capital of Rabat, saw the experienced midfielder edge out a competitive field, with the Paris Saint-Germain forward Ajibade finishing as a close runner-up.
Chebbak’s victory marks a significant moment for North African women’s football, rewarding a year of exceptional leadership and consistent performances for both her club, AS FAR, and the Moroccan national team.
“This award is not just for me, but for every young girl in Morocco and across Africa who dreams of playing football,” an elated Chebbak said after receiving the trophy. “It shows that with hard work and belief, anything is possible. I am deeply honoured and humbled.”
The decision, however, will be a tough pill to swallow for Ajibade and her legion of supporters. The Nigerian dynamo enjoyed a stellar year, playing a pivotal role in the Super Falcons’ record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph. Her electrifying pace and goal-scoring prowess were also on full display for her European club, Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite the personal setback, the Nigerian camp maintained a gracious posture. A source close to the player stated, “Rasheedat is naturally disappointed, but she is a tremendous professional. She congratulated Ghizlane and is already focused on coming back stronger. This is not the end of her journey.”
The award solidifies Chebbak’s status as one of Africa’s most accomplished female footballers and underscores Morocco’s rapid ascent in the women’s game, bolstered by significant investment and development programmes.
Meanwhile, there was a moment of celebration for Nigeria as goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was named the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for a third consecutive time, a testament to her remarkable consistency and shot-stopping abilities.
