Super Falcons’ captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie headlined Nigeria’s dominance at the WAFCON 24 awards, capping off a landmark continental triumph for the Nigerian team.
Rasheedat Ajibade – Woman of the Tournament
Rasheedat Ajibade was named the TotalEnergies Woman of the Tournament for her superb displays throughout the tournament, leading The Super Falcons to a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title. She registered one goal and two assists but stood out and received great plaudits for her commanding performances, making the Nigerian Team’s Mission X a success.
She played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s group stage matches and was deservedly included in the Team of the Group Stage. The WAFCON 2018 winner picked up three consecutive man of the match awards en route to the final, against Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa. Her opener in the semifinals helped the Super Falcons defeat the reigning Champions, Banyana Banyana of South Africa, to book a spot in the final.
The WAFCON 2022 top scorer showed her exceptional leadership abilities throughout the tournament. Reining in her predatory attacking instincts, she sacrificed her natural forward role to anchor the midfield and serve as the perfect link between defence and attack. She inspired her teammates and served as the perfect example, leaving opponents spellbound by her ability to dictate the tempo of the games. A testament to her leadership qualities, she took a step back and handed Esther Okoronkwo the penalty that set the tone for their glorious comeback in the final. Captain Fantastic!
Esther Okoronkwo was a notable mention for the Player of the Tournament award, but Rash’s excellent performance throughout the tournament deservedly earned her the accolade.
Ghizlane Chebbak – PUMA Golden Boot Winner
Moroccan Captain Ghizlane Chebbak clinched a second consecutive Golden Boot following her clinical displays at WAFCON 2024. The iconic forward was instrumental in the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco’s impressive outing at the continental tournament. The 34-year-old led her team by example, leading the charge from attack and asserting her dominance on opposition defences.
Her hat-trick against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Morocco’s second group stage fixture was vital in securing a place for them in the knockout rounds, following a draw in their opening match. She continued her goalscoring exploits with a stunning goal against Nigeria in the Final to open the scoring for Morocco. Ultimately, her goal wasn’t enough to secure a maiden title for the Moroccans on home turf as they slumped to a defeat in a shocking comeback victory for the Nigerians.
Chebbak becomes the second player in history to win the top gong for the highest goalscorer in consecutive tournaments, after WAFCON all-timer Perpetua Nkwocha. She previously shared the accolade with Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade and South Africa’s Hildah Magaia at WAFCON’22.
Daughter of Larbi Chebbak, the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations winner with Morocco, she has etched a legacy in Moroccan football that surpasses her father’s.
Chiamaka Nnadozie – Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament Award
The Great Wall of Africa, Chiamaka Nnadozie clinched the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament Award for her inspiring displays at the heart of the Super Falcons’ defence. Sir Alex Ferguson, a legendary coach, said, “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles”. This couldn’t be truer in Nnadozie’s case as she kept things tight at the back, repeatedly commandeering the defence and nullifying opposition attacks with brilliant saves and her super-fast reflexes.
The 2024 African Goalkeeper of the Year kept clean sheets in all the Nigerian team’s group stage fixtures up to the quarter finals, only succumbing to a penalty in the semi finals against South Africa. She conceded only two goals from open play during the tournament. A well-deserved accolade. No goalkeeper does it better!
Justin Madugu – Coach of the Tournament
Nigerian Coach Justin Madugu was named Coach of the Tournament, a crowning moment for his coaching masterclass to lead The Super Falcons to a historic 10th continental title-winning campaign. Madugu was handed the reins of the job months before the tournament began, and he justified his appointment brilliantly. Tasked with re-establishing the Super Falcons’ continental dominance and completing Mission X, Madugu braved the odds and delivered expertly, overseeing an unbeaten title-winning campaign. Mixing a perfect blend of youth and experience, he built a united and tactically adept squad to compete against Africa’s best.
He masterminded notable victories against Tunisia, Zambia, South Africa, and Morocco at the tournament, utilising his remarkable tactical acumen to oversee a myriad of immaculate performances by the Super Falcons. His inspirational half-time team talk against hosts Morocco helped the Super Falcons stage a dramatic fightback to snatch the crown from The Atlas Lionesses in the final.
South Africa – Fair Play Award
Deposed Champions Banyana Banyana clinched the Fair Play Award. The South Africans amassed 510 points, graded by the Technical Study Group based on criteria such as on-field behaviour, respect for opponents and officials, and positive commitment. The disciplined side distinguished itself with commendable behaviour on and off the pitch.
