Nigeria’s Super Falcons capped off their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title with another major accolade on Monday, as four of their players were named in the CAF Team of the Tournament. The announcement further cemented Nigeria’s dominance at Morocco 2024, where the Falcons reclaimed their crown with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over the hosts in the final.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, forward Esther Okoronkwo, and defender Michelle Alozie were all included in the prestigious Best XI, released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). No other country had as many representatives, underlining the quality and impact of Nigeria’s key performers throughout the tournament.
Read: Super Falcons Dominate Individual Awards at 2024 WAFCON
Ajibade Leads from the Front
Ajibade stood out for Nigeria both on and off the pitch and received the Player of the Tournament award.The captain led by example, orchestrating Nigeria’s attacking play while providing a crucial presence in midfield and forward areas. She scored once, registered two assists, and claimed three Woman of the Match awards—against Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa—during the Falcons’ unbeaten run to the title.
Her leadership was especially evident in the high-pressure moments of the knockout stage, where she converted a vital penalty in the semi-final against South Africa and inspired her teammates in the dramatic comeback against Morocco. Ajibade’s inclusion in the Best XI is the latest recognition of her rise as one of Africa’s most influential footballers.
Nnadozie and Alozie Anchor the Defence
Chiamaka Nnadozie, Nigeria’s reliable shot-stopper, earned the titles of Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament and CAF Best XI starter. The Brighton FC player recorded four clean sheets and conceded only one penalty goal before the final. In the dramatic title decider against Morocco, her composure and quick reflex saves kept Nigeria in the game, paving the way for their historic second-half fightback.
Michelle Alozie, playing as a right-back, was also rewarded for her tireless performances. The Houston Dash defender provided attacking width, defensive stability, and relentless energy down the flank. Her contribution was vital in the semi-final victory over South Africa, where she scored the late winner that booked Nigeria’s place in the final. Alozie’s inclusion highlights her status as one of Africa’s most consistent and dependable full-backs.
Okoronkwo Shines in Attack
Esther Okoronkwo was another Nigerian standout, finishing the tournament with two goals and six assists—the highest assist tally at Morocco 2024. The 27-year-old Toronto FC forward played a starring role in the final, scoring Nigeria’s first goal and setting up the equaliser before delivering the set-piece that led to Jennifer Echegini’s title-winning strike. Her creativity and decisive contributions made her an obvious pick for the CAF Best XI.
Read: Justin Madugu Named WAFCON 2024 Coach of the Tournament
Nigeria’s Super Falcons Outshine Rivals
The rest of the Team of the Tournament features three Moroccan players—captain and Golden Boot winner Ghizlane Chebbak, midfielder Ibtissam Jraidi, and forward Sanaâ Mssoudy—two Ghanaian stars, Grace Asantewaa and Portia Boakye, and three South Africans, Refiloe Jane, Bambanani Mbane, and Karabo Dhlamini.
However, Nigeria’s four representatives underline their superiority throughout the competition. The Falcons were the only unbeaten team at Morocco 2024, scoring 14 goals and conceding just three en route to their record-extending 10th continental crown.
A Perfect End to “Mission X”
The CAF Best XI announcement follows Nigeria’s sweep of individual awards at the tournament. Ajibade was crowned Player of the Tournament, Nnadozie retained her Best Goalkeeper award for a second successive edition, and coach Justin Madugu was named Coach of the Tournament after guiding the Super Falcons to their dramatic comeback win in Rabat.
For Nigerian football fans, the recognition serves as further proof of the Super Falcons’ legacy as Africa’s most dominant women’s team. With young stars like Okoronkwo and Alozie emerging alongside established names like Ajibade and Nnadozie, the team looks well-positioned for future challenges—including defending their title at the 2026 WAFCON and competing at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Falcons’ success has also sparked celebrations across Nigeria, with fans and football authorities praising the team for their resilience, quality, and unity. Their latest triumph—and the Best XI honours—highlight the squad’s depth and the effectiveness of Madugu’s tactical vision.
As the Super Falcons return home with the trophy, the awards add a fitting conclusion to a campaign dubbed “Mission X”—a mission to reclaim African supremacy and prove once again why Nigeria remains the powerhouse of women’s football on the continent.