Esther Okoronkwo was voted the Super Falcons’ Fans’ Player of the Tournament at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). This recognition highlights her outstanding performance during a campaign in which Nigeria secured a record-extending 10th continental title. On Tuesday, the team announced the news through their official X account, showcasing the 28-year-old’s game-changing impact throughout the championship.
“Presenting your #WAFCON2024 Fans’ Player of the Tournament… Esther Okoronkwo, OON. Clutch. Composed. Crowned by the people,” the post read. The message summed up what fans had witnessed for two weeks in Morocco – a player who thrived under pressure, delivered in key moments, and ultimately became the heartbeat of Nigeria’s attack during their triumphant “Mission X.”
A Tournament to Remember
Okoronkwo was one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers at WAFCON 2024. She finished with two goals and six assists across six matches, underlining her influence in the final third. More than just statistics, her composure, ability to link play, and knack for stepping up in decisive moments made her a vital piece of coach Justin Madugu’s plans.
Her exploits earned her a spot in CAF’s prestigious Team of the Tournament, one of four Nigerians to make the Best XI alongside goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, right‑back Michelle Alozie, and team captain Rasheedat Ajibade. While Ajibade claimed the official Player of the Tournament award, fans believed Okoronkwo’s impact in crucial fixtures set her apart.
Read: Ashleigh Plumptre: Nigeria’s ‘Oyinbo’ Defender Winning Hearts On and Off the Pitch
Quarter‑Final Brilliance vs Zambia
One of her standout performances came in the quarter‑final against Zambia. Nigeria, facing a side that had impressed in the group stage, needed a spark to break down a resilient defence. Esther Okoronkwo delivered exactly that.
She opened her account with a well‑taken goal before turning provider twice, registering two assists as Nigeria cruised to a commanding 5–0 victory. Her vision and movement repeatedly carved open the Zambian backline, setting the tone for what would become the Super Falcons’ most emphatic win of the tournament.
Final Heroics Against Morocco
If the quarter‑final showcased her creativity, the final against hosts Morocco highlighted her composure and big‑game temperament. With Nigeria trailing 2–0 at half‑time in Rabat, the Super Falcons needed a lifeline. Okoronkwo provided it.
She calmly converted a 60th‑minute penalty to halve the deficit, sending the Nigerian fans into a frenzy. Ten minutes later, she turned provider again, sliding a precise pass for Folashade Ijamilusi to slot home the equaliser.
As the clock ticked toward full‑time, Okoronkwo stepped up once more. A perfectly‑weighted free‑kick in the 88th minute found Jennifer Echegini, who headed home the dramatic winner that sealed Nigeria’s 3–2 comeback victory.
Her match‑winning exploits in the final earned her the Player of the Match award, a fitting recognition for the role she played in orchestrating Nigeria’s most important victory of the tournament.
Fans’ Recognition and Voting Process
Following Nigeria’s historic triumph, the Super Falcons launched a fan poll across their social media platforms to honour the player supporters felt had made the biggest impact. Six players were shortlisted: Rasheedat Ajibade, Jennifer Echegini, Ashleigh Plumptre, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Esther Okoronkwo herself.
While Ajibade had been officially named the tournament’s Best Player, Okoronkwo’s precision in front of goal, ability to deliver under pressure, and unforgettable final performance resonated strongly with fans. Her eventual win in the poll was seen as a celebration of both her talent and her emotional connection with the supporters.
Read: Four Super Falcons Stars Make WAFCON 2024 Best XI
Beyond the Trophy – Okoronkwo’s Journey
Born in Abia State but raised in Richmond, Texas, Okoronkwo’s path to the Super Falcons has been as unique as her playing style. After college football in the United States, she began her professional career in Spain with UD Tenerife before joining AFC Toronto in Canada’s Northern Super League in 2025.
Her Nigerian debut came in 2021, and she scored her first international goal a year later in a crucial Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ivory Coast. Since then, she has grown into one of Nigeria’s most reliable forwards, combining technical ability with a knack for clutch performances.
Okoronkwo Esther: Best Among Equals
Okoronkwo’s recognition as the Fans’ Player of the Tournament is the perfect conclusion to a campaign that cemented her place among Africa’s finest. While Ajibade, Nnadozie, Alozie, and other teammates also shone in Morocco, it was Okoronkwo’s mix of goals, assists, and decisive moments that captured the hearts of Nigerians.
As Nigeria looks ahead to defending their crown in 2026 and competing at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Okoronkwo’s growing influence suggests she will remain central to the team’s ambitions. For now, she stands as the fans’ choice – the “best among equals” in a squad full of champions.