Esther Okoronkwo has been crowned the Super Falcons’ Fans’ Player of the Tournament at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, following a standout campaign that helped Nigeria win a record-extending 10th continental title, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The announcement was made via the Super Falcons’ official X handle on Tuesday celebrating the forward’s impact at the just-concluded championship in Morocco.
“Presenting your #WAFCON2024 Fans’ Player of the Tournament… Esther Okoronkwo, OON. Clutch. Composed. Crowned by the people,” the post read.
Okoronkwo was a central figure in Nigeria’s triumphant run, turning in decisive performances in the knockout stages.
In the quarter-final clash against Zambia, she scored once and registered two assists in a commanding 5–0 victory, as the Falcons cruised into the semi-finals.
She followed that with a heroic display in the final against hosts Morocco on Saturday. With Nigeria trailing, the 28-year-old spearheaded the comeback, calmly converting a 60th-minute penalty to draw level.
She then assisted Folashade Ijamilusi’s strike in the 70th minute before delivering a perfectly weighted free-kick to set up Jennifer Echegini for the dramatic late winner in the 88th minute. Nigeria won 3–2 in Rabat.
Her match-winning exploits in the final earned her the Player of the Match award and sealed her reputation as one of the tournament’s most decisive players.
Okoronkwo was among six Super Falcons stars shortlisted for the fan-voted award following Nigeria’s historic WAFCON success. Others included Jennifer Echegini, Ashleigh Plumptre, Rasheedat Ajibade, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Folashade Ijamilusi – all of whom were key to Nigeria’s success under head coach Justine Pwanidi Madugu.
The fans’ poll was launched on Monday via the team’s official social media platforms, with supporters urged to recognise the player who made the biggest impact.
Esther’s achievement adds to a stellar individual tournament in which she was also named in the CAF Team of the Tournament, one of four Nigerians to earn the honour. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade also made the prestigious list.