Super Falcons star Esther Okoronkwo has won the Fans Player of the Tournament following Nigeria’s WAFCON 2024 title-winning campaign.
Nigeria defeated Morocco 3-2 in the final played on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The match, played in Casablanca, Morocco, witnessed the presence of CAF and FIFA Presidents Patrice Motsepe and Gianni Infantino respectively.
Esther Okoronkwo led the team’s comeback after trailing at halftime. She scored from a penalty and provided two critical assists.
The Super Falcons dominated Group B, recording wins against Tunisia and Botswana. They drew their match with Algeria.
Then came the quarter-finals where Nigeria swept past Zambia 5-0. They then beat South Africa 2-1 in a tight semi-final encounter thanks to a late Michelle Alozie late winner.
In a tense final full of drama, Morocco scored twice in the first half of the final. However, Nigeria responded decisively in the second half.
Okoronkwo converted a penalty in the 64th minute. She then assisted goals for Folashade Ijamilusi and Jennifer Echegini in the 71st and 88th minutes.
The victory gave Nigeria its tenth WAFCON title. The team maintained a perfect record in tournament finals.
They earned $1 million in prize money after the coach Justin Madugu-led team won the tournament.
Okoronkwo’s Impact and Recognition
Esther Okoronkwo played in all six matches of the competition. She scored twice, delivered seven assists, and earned two Woman of the Match honours, including the one she claimed in the final.
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She influenced key games, including the quarter-final where she scored once and assisted twice against Zambia.
In the final, she stepped up when needed. She showed composure, precision, and decision-making under intense pressure.
Okoronkwo’s teammates and fans widely praised her. The team’s official X account described her performance as composed and clutch.
Following her superlative performances, fans voted her the Fans’ Player of the Tournament. She beat five other nominees, including Rasheedat Ajibade and Ashleigh Plumptre.
Despite Ajibade winning the official CAF award, Okoronkwo secured the fans’ trust and admiration. The poll took place on the team’s X account.
Fans praised her strength, calmness, and creativity. Many described her as one of the most influential players on the team.
