Nigerian forward Esther Okoronkwo has expressed frustration after being left out of the final shortlist for CAF’s 2025 Women’s Player of the Year.

Okoronkwo, 28, was initially named among a 10-player shortlist, but she did not make it to the final three, which included Rasheedat Ajibade and Moroccan duo Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy.

The decision came as a surprise, given Okoronkwo’s impressive performances at both international and club levels. She scored one goal and provided six assists for Nigeria during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and played a key role in AFC Toronto’s triumph, helping the club secure the league’s inaugural NSL Shield in September.

Taking to social media, Okoronkwo expressed her disappointment while emphasizing her focus on the game itself.

“I remain grateful for the support across Africa. CAF’s decision is noted, but my focus stays on the pitch where recognition is earned, not awarded. Awards don’t always reflect reality, but the pitch never lies,” she wrote on Instagram.