Moroccan forward Ghizlane Chebbak has been named the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year, securing one of African football’s most prestigious honours after a standout season.
The 35-year-old received the award on Wednesday, November 19, during the CAF Awards ceremony held in Rabat, Morocco.
Chebbak topped a strong shortlist that included Nigeria’s Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and fellow Moroccan Sanna Mssoudy. Her exceptional performances throughout the year—especially at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)—solidified her position as Africa’s best.
At WAFCON, Chebbak won the Golden Boot with five goals and earned a spot in the Team of the Tournament. Her consistency and leadership also earned her a place in the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11, further highlighting her global impact.
Ajibade, who finished as runner-up, also had a remarkable year. She captained Nigeria to their record 10th WAFCON title, won the tournament’s Best Player award, made the Team of the Year, and completed a high-profile transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.
Paris Saint-Germain are closing in on the signing of Nigerian forward Rasheedat Ajibade, in what could be one of the most high-profile moves of the women’s transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Falcons captain, a free agent after leaving Atlético Madrid in June, has been heavily linked with a switch to the French capital. Reports in France suggest a deal has been agreed, with only final formalities standing in the way.
Ajibade, 24, would become the second Nigerian in the PSG women’s squad, joining compatriot Jennifer Echegini. The winger, known for her explosive pace and relentless work rate, had also attracted interest from clubs in the United States’ NWSL.
However, PSG appear to have won the race for her signature. The move comes on the back of an outstanding summer for Ajibade.
She captained Nigeria to their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco, registering two assists, a goal, and three Player of the Match awards. Her performances earned her both the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award and a place in the Team of the Tournament.
Fresh from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Casablanca, Morocco, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, has reflected on his humble beginning while presenting herself as an inspiration to African girls.
Speaking after touching down in Nigeria after the historic win, the former Atletico Madrid player said: “Before we left for Morocco, we had a dream and we gave it a name “Mission X” so that we can dream it and identify with it. We owed it and worked hard at it and today that dream is achieved. This is an inspiration to every African girl that if you dream it, you can achieve it. It doesn’t matter where you are coming from. I come from a humble home and here I am a product of grace achieving greatness.”
The goal was to win the tenth WAFCON title to solidify Nigeria’s place in history and they did in blood and tears, giving everything to bringing home the new coveted trophy and the improved $1milion winners’ cheque.
The 25-year-old said the triumph wouldn’t have been possible if the girls haven’t dreamt and played like one. “This is a victory for all. We dreamt and played like one. It is a victory for all Nigerian girls and all Nigerians. Together, we can achieve success.”
Tears of Joy
Nicknamed ‘Mummy GO’ by his colleagues, Ajibade is also inspired to reach for the heavens by his strong faith in God.
After leading Super Falcons to qualify for the final and adjudged the Woman of the Match against Banyana Banyana, the girl from Mushin broke down in tears of joy savoring the moment. She later took to the social media to credit fans, her teammates and Jesus for the victory.
Nigeria beat South Africa 2-1 in the 12th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) played at the LarbiZaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco
Ajibade scored the opening goal for the Super Falcons in the encounter, which is her first of the tournament
In a post on X, the former FC Robo star said her performance during the match can be attributed to the collective effort of the team.
She acknowledged the efforts of the fans who cheered the team to victory since the beginning of the WAFCON tournament in Morocco. She said:
“I don’t deserve it, to be honest, but God’s grace found me. All of this Woman of the Match, I dedicate it to my teammates; this is teamwork and not about me carrying this award, but team effort and the fans roaring.
“We couldn’t have done it on our own and with strength, but all glory to God. Thank God, thank Jesus Christ for his grace and mercies.”
Prayer Warrior
A leader on and off the pitch, Ajibade is not only the skipper but also the prayer warrior.
Michelle Alozie, the team’s strong defender and winner of the winning goal against South Africa wrote on X after the semi-final clash. “Our mummy GO.
I remember when she said ‘let’s pray’ after the first 45 minutes. God bless the captain. We trust your leadership.”
Captain fantastic in every aspect, Ajibade has been instrumental in inspiring the Super Falcons to a historic achievement – winning 10 of 13 editions.
From the opening whistle to the final game, she stood tall even when the odds looked like they were against her. Just like the leader that she is, she displayed her relentlessness and embraced the moment and never looked back.
When she was invited to the photoshoot with the new WAFCON trophy prior to the start of the tournament at the iconic Hassan II Tower, she looked at it and promised herself that Nigeria would lift this beautiful crown. It is that will to gather her troops every time that they walked onto the field that led her to this moment – the moment where Nigeria once again, conquered Africa.
From strength to strength
Vocal on and off the field, Ajibade has shown her quality every time that she has stepped onto the field of play. The blue-haired girl from Lagos poured her heart into this campaign, often seen urging her teammates to stay locked in even if it helps that they are already motivated.
When her team needed a spark, she lit it. In whatever role she was assigned, she scanned for spaces occasionally, made passes in the tightest of angles and kept Nigeria’s opponents guessing.
She exploited the athleticism of her team in ways that came face-to-face with the weaknesses of their opponents and with that, she dictated the tempo of each game.
She earned three Woman of the Match Awards against Botswana, Zambia and South Africa while finding the back of the net once – a penalty against South Africa’s Andile Dlamini who was yet to score until that point. This is the second time that Ajibade is being awarded at the WAFCON after she walked away with the Joint Top Scorer Award at the 2022 edition – tied with Ghizlane Chebbak of Morocco and South Africa’s Hildah Magaia.
Legacy attained
For Ajibade, two WAFCON titles in the bag and a silver medal on top of the individual awards, this is the stuff of dreams. The stage was set in Morocco and this time, the Nigerians achieved their revenge. The Atlas Lionesses had stunned the Super Falcons in the semifinals three years ago (5-4 penalties; 1-1) after the latter went down by two players.
As Ajibade received her award inside the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, emotional after this achievement, she appreciated the recognition. An inspiration to many a girl in Africa and the world, Ajibade continues to write her own chapter in a sea of success at home and abroad.
“These are the kind of games we want to play,” Ajibade said with firm conviction after the match.
“Getting to the semifinal shows the effort the team put into every game. We try to improve ourselves in each match. We might have issues behind the scene, but we don’t let that get to us, we do our job. We are doing this for those girls aspiring to be here one day.”
Captain fantastic
In the midst of superstars, Ajibade was entrusted with the captain’s band due to her commitment and leadership ability.
“Rasheedat has done well for the team so far,” Madugu told Cafonline.com after his team defeated South Africa in the semi-final.
“This accounted for her making the Team of the Group Stage and winning two Woman of the Match awards in four games. She has been carrying the team along with her energy and exemplary leadership on the field of play.”
He added that her selection as captain wasn’t a coincidence but a deliberate act based on observable leadership attributes.
“Yes, we saw the leadership qualities in her—her commitment, relationship with the players and the commanding, encouraging, and inspiring role she plays on the field,” he explained. “Some persons are born with innate leadership qualities which when recognized early can be exploited. We were inspired by those qualities and felt she could hold the team together.”
From Skating to football
Before taking to football professionally, Ajibade was a skater and later conquered the streets of Lagos and the continent as a freestyle football champion. That fearless spirit carried her through the ranks of FC Robo Queens, where she spent five defining years and served as captain.
She’s the fourth product of the Lagos-based Nigeria Women Football League outfit alongside six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year AsisatOshoala, FolashadeIjamilusi and ShukuratOladipo in the Super Falcons’ WAFCON 2024 squad.
It was at Robo that she honed her skills and leadership qualities, impressing her longtime coach and manager Emmanuel Osahon, who remains one of her biggest admirers, noting that she is truly proving her worth on the continental stage.
He praised her charisma and all-round contribution as a creative midfielder who effortlessly connects with her teammates, highlighting her leadership and technical abilities. “I am so excited for her and give glory to God. She really proved her worth at this WAFCON. I am impressed,” he told CAFOnline.com.
Reflecting on her development, Osahon recalled Ajibade’s time at FC Robo Queens, where she once captained the side, and how he constantly encouraged his players to aim for the top.
“At FC Robo Queens, I told them that they can get to the peak of their career. She was the captain of FC Robo Queens for some times. In the Super Falcons team, every player that is FC RoboQueens product are captains,” he remarked. From Robo, she moved to Norway’s Avaldsnes before her most recent stint at Atlético Madrid in Spain, which she has now exited after almost five years, poised for her next adventure.
Captain of the Super Falcons, Rasheedat Ajibade, visited the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Prayer City yesterday and shared her inspirational story of perseverance, faith, and triumph.
Ajibade, who recently led Nigeria to victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, delivered a moving testimony recounting her humble beginnings and spiritual journey.
Speaking to a large congregation, the football star revealed how she once hawked olive oil, kunu, and zobo drinks as a young girl at the very same prayer grounds.
The Super Falcons captain emphasized the vital role that her mother and the General Overseer of MFM, Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, played in shaping her spiritual life. She noted that prayer and faith were constant sources of strength during her challenges in both club and international football.
“Whenever I face tough situations at my club or things seem not to be working, I turn to prayer after doing my part with hard work,” she told the worshippers.
Ajibade urged the congregation to remain steadfast in prayer, fasting, and diligence, adding that spiritual discipline had been key to her achievements on and off the field.
Three years ago, Rasheedat Ajibade was a sombre figure as she left the pitch at the Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca as she was handed a red card for a professional foul against a Moroccan player in the first semi -final match of the 12th Women Africa Cup of Nations.
A team-mate, midfielder Halimatu Ayinde also got a red card, forcing Nigeria to prosecute large parts of the second half and the extra-time period with only nine players. As a consequence, both players were rendered ineligible for the third place, which Nigeria lost by the odd goal to Zambia.
Images from that encounter are what Ajibade wants banished as the Falcons and the Lionesses clash in the final at Rabat’s Stadium on Saturday.
Fast forward to July 2025, and Ajibade, captain of Nigeria, is standing tall and proud, and continues to be the cynosure as the Super Falcons march assuredly to the Championship Match and with iron determination and resoluteness to accomplish Mission X.
Team-mate Esther Okoronkwo won the Woman of the Match award when Nigeria trashed Tunisia 3-0 in their opening match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, but the one they call ‘Rash’ took over from there, winning the awards against Botswana, Zambia and South Africa, and looking in command to pluck the Player of the Tournament diadem on Saturday night.
Just before the commencement of the championship, Ajibade, who ploughed through the full gamut of the Nigeria women’s teams, said at a webinar organized by the Confederation of African Football: “For us, effort is everything. We’ll demonstrate what we’re capable of and continue to build on our existing strengths. We have an incredible group of talented players. We’re all excited to be here. We know it won’t be easy but we’re committed to showing up as our best selves.”
The lithe and self-effacing Nigeria leader is also highly motivated by the fact that the Super Falcons have never lost a final match at the Women AFCON, going back to the first competition that Nigeria hosted in 1998.
“We know pedigree and past achievements mean little in a match of this nature, but records also serve to encourage and inspire people and groups to go all out when it matters most,” Ajibade said.
Super Falcons duo Rasheedat Ajibade and Ashleigh Plumptre have been named in the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Best XI for the group stage.
Ajibade featured in all three group matches, while Plumptre appeared in two, and both have been standout performers for Nigeria as the Falcons chase a record-extending 10th WAFCON title in Morocco.
Plumptre has been rock-solid at the heart of Nigeria’s defence, providing composure and leadership at the back. Meanwhile, Ajibade has shone as the midfield orchestrator, driving the team’s attacking play with energy and vision.
Ajibade was named CAF Woman of the Match for her performance against Botswana in Nigeria’s second Group B game, while Plumptre earned the Fans’ Player of the Match award for her commanding defensive display.
In the selected 4-3-3 formation, Algeria’s Chloé N’Gazi was preferred in goal ahead of Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie. The defensive line features Plumptre, Zambia’s Lushomo Mweemba, and South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane and Fikile Magama.
The midfield trio includes Ajibade, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak, and South Africa’s Refiloe Jane. Leading the attack are Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, along with Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye.
Zambia dominated the group stage Best XI with four players, followed by South Africa with three, Nigeria with two, and Algeria, Morocco, and Senegal with one player each.
The knockout phase kicks off today, with Nigeria set to face Zambia, hosts Morocco taking on Mali, Algeria up against Ghana, and defending champions South Africa in a tough clash against Senegal.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has tipped the Super Falcons for their 10th continental title at the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) but noted that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and stakeholders must contribute their quotas for seamless competition for the national women’s senior team.
The 2025 WAFCON will hold in Morocco between July 5 and 2.Placed in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana, the Falcons will open their campaign against Tunisia on July 6 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Speaking on the team’s expectations for the tournament, Ajibade expressed the players’ eagerness to represent Nigeria and make history even as she called on the federation to give them 100% support.
“There’s a lot of confidence in camp and we’re committed to our goal. We all understand what’s at stake,” Ajibade said in an interview with the Super Falcons Show. “Every player heading to the tournament wants to compete and win. We will give everything on the pitch, but we also know that success depends on both internal and external factors.”
“We’ll continue to do our part as players, but we hope everything behind the scenes is properly handled to help us perform at our best and ultimately bring the trophy home.”
Super Falcons’ skipper, Rasheedat Ajibade, has ended her chapter with Spanish side, Atletico Madrid Femenino.
Ajibade played her last match in the iconic red and white of Atlético Madrid Femenino, bringing to a close a chapter filled with growth, resilience, and cherished memories.
The match, though a tough outing with a result that didn’t go in favour of the team, marked a significant milestone for Ajibade as she bid farewell to a club that had become much more than a workplace, it had become home.
Ajibade, who joined Atlético Madrid in January 2021 from Norwegian side Avaldsnes IL, quickly established herself as a key figure within the squad. Known for her blistering pace, technical brilliance, and relentless fighting spirit, the Super Falcons star left an indelible mark on the club’s history, contributing vital goals and performances in domestic and European competitions alike.
Following her final appearance, Ajibade took to social media to share a poignant and heartfelt message with her fans, teammates, and the entire Atlético Madrid family. In her message, she reflected on the journey, the highs and lows, and the invaluable life lessons learned along the way.
“What a tough pill to swallow last night, not the outcome we’d hoped for,” Ajibade began, addressing the bittersweet nature of her farewell match. “But honestly, I can feel us getting closer to where we want to be, improving season after season. With the dedication I see from this team, I know there’s so much greatness waiting for this team down the road,” Ajibade wrote.
For Ajibade, her time at Atlético Madrid transcended the boundaries of professional football. It became a personal odyssey of growth, self-discovery, and transformation. “It was an emotional night for me, playing my last game for this incredible team,” she continued. “This club has been more than just a workplace; it’s where I’ve truly grown, not just as a player, but as a person. I’ve learned so much, unlearned some things too, and really evolved. The friendships I’ve made here, they’re not just teammates, and they’re family now.”
Her message resonated deeply with fans and followers, as the Lagos-born forward expressed immense gratitude to everyone associated with the club, affectionately referring to them as her “Atleti family.” She acknowledged the unwavering support that carried her through the challenges and triumphs of her Atlético journey.
“Thank you for your unwavering support through thick and thin,” she wrote. “You made this place feel like home, and I’ll forever be grateful for every single moment.”
Ajibade also reserved a special tribute for Club Atlético Madrid itself, a club steeped in history and prestige. “You’ll always hold a special place in my heart,” she declared. “I’ll always be your fan, cheering you on every step of the way. “Aúpa Atleti!”
As she now prepares to embark on a new chapter of her career, Ajibade emphasized her enduring faith and trust in God’s guidance for the journey ahead. “As I move on to the next chapter of my career, I’ll be doing so with God’s guidance,” she affirmed, concluding her message with heartfelt gratitude and blessings for everyone who had been part of her incredible ride in Madrid.
Ajibade leaves behind a legacy of passion, commitment, and character at Atlético Madrid, a player who not only gave her all on the pitch but also inspired countless others with her humility and unyielding spirit. While her next destination remains to be officially confirmed, there is no doubt that wherever Rasheedat Ajibade goes, she will carry with her the love of Atleti fans and the cherished memories of her time in the Spanish capital.
Super Falcons Skipper Rasheedat Ajibade has credited Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Cameroon in an international friendly to her teammates, the technical crew and fans that thronged the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
The Falcons scored twice in the first half through Ajibade in the 28th and 44th minutes with the first coming from the penalty spot.
The former Atletico Madrid Feminine attacker described the game as wonderful adding that the support she got from all and sundry helped to put her in competition mood and the chance to score two goals in the game.
“It was a wonderful game for the both sides and it is an honour for me to score the two goals in the game. I won’t have done it without my teammates and the wonderful fans that came through for us. It was their support and energy that inspired us to win the game,” Ajibade told journalists.
She said she was certain the Super Falcons have what it takes to win their 10th WAFCON with good preparations and more robust participation of all stakeholders.
“The mood is positive. We understand the responsibility ahead of us. We are positive and excitedly looking forward to the WAFCON.
Head Coach Justine Madugu has invited captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and 23 other players for the two international friendly matches planned for nine-time African champions, Super Falcons against their Algerian counterparts in Lagos at the end of this month.
The matches are billed for the picturesque Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos Island on Saturday, 26th October and Tuesday, 29th October respectively.
It is the first time that the Falcons are playing international friendly matches on home soil since the Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament which was held at the same venue three years ago. Before then, they hosted the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon at the NFF/FIFA Goal Project, Abuja in 2014.
Madugu has also called Turkey-based defender Oluwatosin Demehin, Comfort Folorunsho of Edo Queens, Spain-based Gift Monday and a long list of home-based professionals and a couple of Falconets who featured at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia last month.
It will be the first re-grouping of the Super Falcons since the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France in the summer, and following the departure of American trainer Randy Waldrum.
The Algerian delegation is expected in Nigeria on Wednesday.
The Confederation of African Football has already approved the two games, which will be superintended by FIFA match officials from Benin Republic.
