Esther Okoronkwo React To CAF Snub, Dey Focus On Field Performance

Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo don react after she no make final shortlist for di CAF Women’s Player of di Year Award, talk say real recognition dey come from performance for field, no be from awards. Widely seen as strong contender for top three, Okoronkwo express both gratitude and small disappointment for Instagram post after CAF announcement. She write, “I remain grateful for di support across Africa. CAF decision dey noted, but my focus dey for pitch. Recognition dey earned, no be awarded. Awards no always show reality, but di pitch no dey lie.”

CAF release three-player shortlist on Thursday, with Super Falcons star Rasheedat Ajibade make di cut. Dis announcement spark debate among supporters after big names like Okoronkwo and Zambia’s Barbara Banda wey perform well for di past year no make am. Final shortlist na players wey feature for WAFCON final: Rasheedat Ajibade (PSG/Nigeria), Ghizlane Chebbak (Al Hilal/Morocco), Sanaa Mssoudy (AS FAR/Morocco). Di selection don trigger talk about award criteria and recognition for African women football, but Okoronkwo maintain say her mind still dey for her contributions for field.