By Prosper Mene
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have once again etched their name into the annals of African football history. The nine-time African champions were officially named the CAF Women’s National Team of the Year at the prestigious 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards ceremony, held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, Morocco.
This triumph marks the third consecutive year the Super Falcons have claimed the honor, following back-to-back victories in 2023 and 2024, and their seventh overall since the award’s inception. It’s a resounding endorsement of their unyielding dominance on the continental stage, where they remain the most decorated women’s national team in Africa.
The award arrives on the heels of an unforgettable 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), hosted by Morocco earlier this year. Under the guidance of head coach Justin Madugu, the Falcons delivered a masterclass in resilience and tactical brilliance, storming to their record-extending 10th title. Their path to glory included commanding wins over Zambia and South Africa in the group stages, before a heart-stopping final against the host nation, Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses.
Trailing 2-0 after just 24 minutes in the decider, the Super Falcons refused to yield. A blistering second-half comeback, fueled by three goals in a frantic 24-minute spell—sealed a 3-2 victory and sparked wild jubilation among fans and players alike. Throughout the tournament, Nigeria won five of their six matches, boasting four clean sheets and conceding only twice from open play, a testament to their defensive solidity and attacking flair.
“We are overjoyed and deeply grateful for this recognition,” said Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was herself nominated for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. “This isn’t just about one tournament; it’s about the hard work, unity, and passion that define this team. Winning WAFCON was special, but bringing this home for Nigeria makes it even sweeter. We’re already looking ahead to more battles on the global stage.”
The Super Falcons edged out formidable contenders Ghana’s Black Queens, who secured bronze at WAFCON after a strong return to the competitio and Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, who hosted the event with aplomb but fell just short in the final. The Black Queens’ inclusion in the shortlist highlighted their resurgence, while Morocco’s bid was bolstered by their impressive home performances.
Individual stars from the Falcons also shone brightly in the nominations. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie earned a spot on the shortlist for CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, her tournament heroics between the posts proving pivotal. Coach Madugu, meanwhile, was recognized for his leadership in guiding the team to glory, landing a nomination for Women’s Coach of the Year.
Nigeria’s influence extended beyond the senior side at the awards. The U-17 Flamingos were also shortlisted for the National Team of the Year (Women) category after reaching the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, while Bayelsa Queens represented the domestic front with a nod for Club of the Year (Women).
The Super Falcons’ latest accolade serves as both a celebration of past triumphs and a clarion call for the future. With eyes now turning to qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and beyond, Africa’s queens of the pitch are poised to continue their reign, inspiring a new generation of female footballers across the continent.
