“ As How Na” – Nigerians Kick as CAF Hands Chebbak Women’s Player of the Year Award Ahead of Ajibade
Many Nigerian football fans have taken to social media to express anger and disappointment after Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak was named the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year, beating Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade to the top prize.
Chebbak received the award on Wednesday night at the CAF Awards ceremony in Rabat, following a year in which she won the WAFCON Golden Boot with five goals and secured a place in the Team of the Tournament. The 35-year-old was also listed in the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11.
Ajibade, however, also enjoyed an outstanding year. She captained Nigeria to a record 10th WAFCON title, won the WAFCON Player of the Tournament award, made the Team of the Year, and sealed a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain. Many Nigerians believe her achievements were stronger than Chebbak’s and that she deserved the continental crown.
The announcement quickly sparked reactions, with fans questioning CAF’s decision and suggesting that Ajibade was unfairly overlooked.
Below are some reactions from angry Nigerian supporters:
Reactions from Nigerians:
- @iamUche: “As how na? Ajibade carried the whole tournament on her back. CAF don do us strong thing again.”
- @OpeyemiTalks: “This one no clear at all. Player of the Tournament no win Player of the Year? Ajibade was robbed.”
- @AdaNwAfrica: “So what exactly is the criteria? Ajibade led Nigeria to the title. What else she suppose do?”
- @Emeka_Reports: “It’s simple: Ajibade deserved it more. CAF just dey find favour for Morocco.”
- @KeneSports: “Every year na the same story. Nigerians will shine but CAF go still look another direction.”
- @Bola4Ball: “No disrespect to Chebbak, but this award belongs to Ajibade. CAF should explain this decision.”
- @SolaFanZone: “I don tire. How Player of the Tournament no go be Player of the Year? Make it make sense.”
Despite the criticism, CAF has yet to comment on the growing backlash.
Meanwhile, Ajibade has not publicly reacted, but her fans continue to campaign online, insisting that the Super Falcons captain was the most outstanding African female player of the year.
