RABAT, Morocco — Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been named the 2025 CAF Women’s National Team of the Year, securing the prestigious award for the third year running at a glittering ceremony held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University on Wednesday night.
The nine-time African champions saw off competition from Ghana’s Black Queens and hosts Morocco to claim the honour, a fitting reward for their dramatic triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where they staged a stunning second-half comeback to defeat the Atlas Lionesses 3-2 in the final and lift a record-extending 10th continental title.
The victory in July 2024 ended a six-year trophy drought for the Falcons and marked their first WAFCON crown since 2018. Under head coach Justine Madugu, the team displayed remarkable resilience, conceding only four goals throughout the tournament.
Accepting the award on behalf of the squad, Madugu paid tribute to generations of players who have worn the green and white.
“This is for every Super Falcon — past and present — who has represented Nigeria with pride,” he said. “Winning the 10th WAFCON title was historic, but our focus now is on building towards the next World Cup and continuing to raise the bar for women’s football on the continent.”
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau described the recognition as “well-deserved testament to the hard work, discipline and talent within the team.”
The Super Falcons now hold the record for most CAF Women’s National Team of the Year awards, having previously won in 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024.
Several Falcons players were also individually recognised on the night, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade shortlisted for Women’s Player of the Year and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie in contention for Goalkeeper of the Year.
Despite their continental dominance, the team continues to face domestic challenges, including funding constraints and administrative hurdles that affected their preparation for recent international assignments.
Nevertheless, the latest accolade reinforces Nigeria’s status as the undisputed powerhouse of African women’s football and provides momentum as the squad begins planning for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
