Esther Okoronkwo has reacted angrily to the decision of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, to leave her out of the final shortlist for the 2025 Women’s Player of the Year, NEWSUNPLUG reports.
Okoronkwo was initially named in a 10-player shortlist for the award by CAF.
The 28-year-old, however, failed to make the final three-player shortlist.
Rasheedat Ajibade, and Moroccan duo Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy made the final cut.
It was a surprise decision going by Okoronkwo’s impressive performances at international and club level.
The forward registered one goal and six assists for Nigeria at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Okoronkwo also had an outstanding campaign at club level helping AFC Toronto clinch the league’s inaugural NSL Shield in September.
She took to the social media to express her displeasure.
“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,” Okoronkwo wrote on her Instagram page.