The Super Falcons recently made history by winning their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title. The victory was a proud moment for Nigeria and sparked celebrations across the country. As part of the honour, each team member was awarded Officer of the Order of the Niger by the government and given cash gifts. OGHENOVO EGODO-MICHAEL takes a look at some of the stars behind the big win
ESTHER Okoronkwo
Born on March 27, 1997, in Abia State, Ijeoma Okoronkwo is a forward whose flair and speed have earned her a place among the rising stars of Nigerian football. Raised in the United States, she played collegiate football at Lamar University before launching her professional career in Europe.
Now playing for AS Saint-Étienne in France, Okoronkwo continues to impress with her sharp instincts in front of goal and intelligent movement off the ball.
For the Super Falcons, she has been a key asset, bringing both youth and precision to the team’s attacking force. Her presence during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (played in July 2025) helped secure Nigeria’s historic 10th title in the nail-biting final against Morocco. It was her penalty in the 64th minute that sparked Nigeria’s dramatic comeback from two goals down. Her performance earned her the Player of the Match title.
Rasheedat Ajibade
With her signature blue hair and bold playing style, Rasheedat Ajibade is one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian women’s football. Born on December 8, 1999, in Lagos, she is known for her speed, and goal-scoring ability.
She plays as a forward for Atlético Madrid Femenino in Spain, where she continues to dazzle in the top division. At the 2024 WAFCON, Ajibade was a key part of the Super Falcons’ historic win, scoring crucial goals and leading with fierce determination. She was also named the tournament’s Best Player, having collected three Player of the Match awards.
Off the pitch, she’s a fashion lover, youth mentor, and founder of the RASH brand — a platform that inspires and supports young talents. In 2020, she launched the annual #StandOutWithRASH campaign in partnership with EaglesTracker, aimed at promoting grassroots football in Nigeria. Through the campaign, she provides football gear, cash prizes, and social media visibility to young players who showcase their passion and skill.
Chinwendu Ihezuo
Chinonyerem Ihezuo is a powerful presence in the Super Falcons squad. Born on April 30, 1997, in Ajegunle, Lagos, she grew up playing football with boys in the neighbourhood and that shaped her grit and confidence. Her parents, especially her mother, were very supportive of her dream, often buying her football jerseys.
Ihezuo first rose to fame at the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan, where she scored six goals and announced herself as a rising star. Today, she plays professionally for Pachuca Femenil in Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil.
At the 2024 WAFCON, she added grit and power to the Super Falcons’ attack, contributing to Nigeria’s historic tenth title win. Off the pitch, she is known for her quiet confidence, love for music, and deep bond with her family — proudly declaring on her Instagram biography, “My family, my everything.”
Folashade Ijamilusi
Nicknamed “Ijagoal” for her goal-scoring prowess, Folashade Ijamilusi has quickly risen as one of Nigeria’s most exciting young football talents. Born on May 30, 2001, she started out at Springsoca Academy, Lagos and made her mark at Robo Queens, where she finished as top scorer in the 2023–24 Nigeria Women Football League season with eight goals.
Ijamilusi later joined Edo Queens, helping the club win their first-ever NWFL title, clinch the WAFU-B Champions Cup, and make a strong run to the semi-finals in their CAF Women’s Champions League debut — scoring in the opening 3–0 victory.
Her standout performances earned her a Super Falcons call-up, and she didn’t disappoint. In October 2024, she scored a hat-trick in a 4–1 friendly win over Algeria. But it was in the 2024 WAFCON final that she truly made headlines. She scored Nigeria’s equaliser in a come-from-behind win that sealed the Falcons’ record-breaking 10th title.
Deborah Abiodun
Deborah Abiodun is a creative and tenacious midfielder who is a rising powerhouse in Nigerian women’s football. Born November 2003 in Ibadan, she began her journey with Rivers Angels FC, paving the way for her move to the University of Pittsburgh, where she excelled in college soccer
In January 2025, Abiodun took her game professionally, signing a three‑year contract with Washington Spirit, before going on loan to Dallas Trinity FC in the USL Super League.
Internationally, she rose through the ranks—from the U‑20s at the 2022 FIFA Women’s World Cup to the senior Super Falcons, making her debut in 2022. She joined Nigeria’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, represented the country at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and played a key role in the Falcons winning their record-extending 10th WAFCON title
Halimatu Ayinde
Halimatu Ayinde is the unsung heartbeat of the Super Falcons. Born on May 16, 1995, in Kaduna, she defied early resistance from her brothers and community norms by sneaking out to train with boys in pursuit of her football dream.
Her club career has taken her across continents—from Delta Queens in Nigeria to the Western New York Flash in the U.S., then on through Europe with FC Minsk, Asarums IF, and Eskilstuna United, before landing in Sweden’s top division with FC Rosengård, where she continues to shine as a dependable midfield lynchpin.
At the 2024 WAFCON, Ayinde was the engine room of Nigeria’s midfield.
Her story off the pitch is just as powerful. Having battled back from two ACL surgeries in under two years, Ayinde now mentors younger players. Reflecting on the latest title, she shared “God, I’m so grateful for this precious gold medal. Five WAFCON tournaments in my career, four times You crowned me—even when two leg surgeries almost took my dream away, You made sure my story ended in praise!”
“My beautiful Super Falcons sisters, thank you for this amazing journey together. We did it!”
Ashleigh Plumptre
Ashleigh Plumptre brings both skill and stability to the Super Falcons’ backline. Born on May 8, 1998, in Leicester, England, she began her football journey early and rose through England’s youth national teams before committing to Nigeria in 2021, honouring her paternal heritage.
She currently plays for Al-Ittihad Club in Saudi Arabia, where she made headlines as one of the standout foreign signings in the fast-growing Saudi Women’s Premier League. A natural leader, Plumptre combines tactical intelligence with technical finesse, often acting as the calm voice at the heart of defence.
At the 2024 WAFCON, Plumptre was a key figure in Nigeria’s historic tenth title run. Her timely tackles and defensive positioning helped fortify the backline—especially in the high-stakes final where she delivered a standout performance.
Off the pitch, she is admired for her humility, openness about identity, and strong advocacy for mental health and player welfare. In recent years, Plumptre has also become an outspoken advocate against child trafficking and exploitation in football. She recently launched a campaign tagged, “The line we don’t cross”, to raise awareness around the growing issue of fake agents luring young African footballers abroad under false promises.
Oluwatosin Demehin
Oluwatosin Demehin’s defensive intelligence has quietly become a cornerstone of the Super Falcons’ backline. She currently plays for the Turkish Super League club, Galatasaray S.K.
Demehin first made her mark on the international stage as captain of Nigeria’s U-20 team at the 2022 World Cup. She soon stepped up to the senior team, playing key roles at both the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games.
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But it was at the 2024 WAFCON (played in July 2025) that Demehin truly proved her mettle. She played every single minute of the tournament, forming a rock-solid partnership with Osinachi Ohale and helping Nigeria clinch the record 10th title.
In recognition of the win, she was recently conferred with the chieftaincy title of “Yeye Akeweje Ilaje” by the Oba of Bariga, Kayode Aiyetiwa. Describing the honour as more than a title, she pledged to use it as a platform to inspire and uplift the youth of her Ilaje community
Osinachi Ohale
Osinachi Ohale has been a mainstay in the Super Falcons’ defence for over a decade. Born in Abuja, she began her professional journey with Rivers Angels before making her mark at Delta Queens—winning back‑to‑back national league titles in 2011 and 2012.
She currently plays for Pachuca Femenil in Mexico, following notable stints in Sweden, Spain, and Italy.
On the international stage, Ohale is one of Nigeria’s most experienced players having featured in multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups, Olympic Games, and WAFCON tournaments. At the 2024 WAFCON Ohale once again brought her trademark stability and calm to the Super Falcons’ defence.
Michelle Alozie
Michelle Alozie has carved out a space as one of the most exciting defenders in African women’s football. Born in Apple Valley, California, to Nigerian parents, Alozie juggled football with academics—earning a degree in Molecular Biology from Yale University and later working part-time as a cancer research technician.
She currently plays with Houston Dash in the US National Women’s Soccer League.
Alozie’s international debut came in 2021, and she quickly became a fan favourite for her tireless work rate and positive presence on and off the pitch.
At the 2024 WAFCON, she was instrumental in Nigeria’s march to a historic 10th title, locking down the right flank with relentless precision and turning defence into attack with her trademark bursts of speed.
Beyond football, Alozie has become a cultural icon—balancing science, sports, and social impact. Known for her engaging social media presence, style, and advocacy for women in STEM, she represents a new generation of Super Falcons.
Chiamaka Nnadozie
Chiamaka Nnadozie has grown into one of Africa’s most formidable shot-stoppers. Hailing from Orlu, Imo State, she began her career at Rivers Angels, where her talent quickly marked her as a future star.
She currently plays for Brighton & Hove Albion Women in England’s Women’s Super League
Her international rise has been swift. From playing in the 2018 FIFA U‑20 Women’s World Cup to becoming the Super Falcons’ first-choice goalkeeper, she has delivered standout performances in high-stakes tournaments.
At the 2024 WAFCON, Nnadozie was rock-solid between the posts, keeping multiple clean sheets and pulling off game-saving stops that helped power Nigeria to their record 10th title. She was also crowned the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper.
Jennifer Echegini
Jennifer Echegini is the new face of Nigerian midfield dynamism. Born in the Netherlands and raised in London, United Kingdom, Echegini began her international football journey with the United States youth setup before choosing to represent Nigeria at the senior level.
Her football career spans both Europe and the US. She played college football at Mississippi State and Florida State before turning professional. In January 2024, she signed with Juventus Women in Italy’s Serie A, quickly earning accolades for her sharp attacking instincts and playmaking ability.
At the 2024 WAFCON, Echegini cemented her name in history by scoring the winning goal that sealed Nigeria’s record-breaking 10th title in the final match.
Asisat Oshoala
Asisat Oshoala is one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers. From playing for Rivers Angels in Lagos, she went on to shine at Liverpool, Arsenal, Dalian Quanjian, and Barcelona, where she scored 85 goals in 101 league games.
In 2024, she joined Bay FC in the United States’ NWSL in a deal running through 2026, with an option for 2027. She has been named African Women’s Footballer of the Year six times.
At the 2024 WAFCON, her goals and leadership helped the Super Falcons win their record 10th title. Off the pitch, her Asisat Oshoala Foundation uses football, education, and mentorship to inspire young African girls.
Rinsola Babajide
Rinsola Babajide, born in London in 1998, started her international career with England’s youth teams before switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2023. She played for Liverpool and Brighton in the Women’s Super League before moving to Spain, where she now plays for UDG Tenerife in the Liga F.
Known for her speed, skill, and knack for scoring goals, Babajide played a key role at the 2024 WAFCON, stretching defences and creating scoring chances as Nigeria lifted the trophy. Off the field, her bold style and charisma have made her a fan favourite.
Shukurat Oladipo
Shukurat Oladipo began her career as a defender with Robo Queens, making 178 appearances before breaking into the senior national team. She stood out for the Falconets at the U-20 World Cup and African Games, catching the attention of top scouts.
In 2025, she joined AS Roma Women on a contract until June 2027 and made her Serie A debut soon after. At the 2024 WAFCON, her energy and composure added depth to the Falcons’ defence as they secured their 10th continental crown.
Sikiratu Isah, a defender for Nasarawa Amazons, was one of the three home-based players in Nigeria’s 2024 WAFCON squad. She impressed in a friendly against Cameroon, playing the full match in a 2–0 win.
She made her tournament debut in a goalless draw against Algeria and kept things tight at the back throughout. “I’m very excited and thankful to God for bringing me here… I believe with the result we got, we can build on it,” she had said. Her discipline and calm defending helped Nigeria clinch their record 10th title.
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