Shakirat Moshood, captain of Nigeria’s Flamingos, has been named among the final three nominees for the 2025 CAF Young Player of the Year (Women).  She joins Moha El Madani of Morocco and Adji Ndiye of Senegal in contention.
Moshood’s nomination follows a standout performance for the Flamingos at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, where she captained her side and was a driving force in their campaign. She also enjoyed success at club level, helping Bayelsa Queens to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) title as part of the squad.
In addition, the Super Falcons have secured a place on the final shortlist for Women’s National Team of the Year, underscoring Nigeria’s strength in women’s football. Their inclusion follows their triumphant campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they claimed a record-extending 10th title.
Editorial
In a year when Nigerian women’s football reaffirmed its continental dominance, the announcement of Shakirat Moshood and the Super Falcons on the 2025 CAF Awards’ final shortlist reads less like recognition and more like affirmation an acknowledgment not only of talent, but of legacy.
Moshood’s rise is emblematic of the Flamingos’ enduring promise. To captain at U-17 level is one thing to become her country’s leading young light is quite another. Her nomination isn’t just a reward for past performances it is a signal that she is poised to carry that torch into a brighter, unforgiving future. For Nigeria, that is no small thing.
Meanwhile, the Super Falcons’ inclusion in the National Team of the Year shortlist cements their status not as mere champions, but as a generation-defining force. Their conquest of WAFCON 2024 a grueling, emotionally charged campaign was not an anomaly. It was a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s place at the summit of African football.
These nominations speak to more than trophies. They reveal structure, ambition, and continuity. Nigeria is not just producing stars it is building institutions of excellence. The technical panels who assembled these lists have recognized not only individual brilliance but collective strength a testament to the depth of talent and leadership at both youth and senior levels.
If Moshood wins, she will not just make history she will inherit a mantle. If the Super Falcons win as a team, it will be yet another chapter in a story of perseverance, reinvention, and relentless ambition.
In the broader arc of African football, this moment is not about a single night of awards. It is about the future who leads, who inspires, and who carries forward the legacy. Nigeria appears ready not just to compete, but to define what excellence looks like.
Did You Know?
- Moshood’s Scoring Feat During the WAFU B qualifiers, Shakirat Moshood finished as the top scorer, helping her side secure qualification.
- Flamingos’ Coach Nomination: Bankole Olowookere, head coach of the Flamingos, is also nominated for the Women’s Coach of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards.
- Super Falcons’ Coach Recognized: Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has also been nominated for Women’s Coach of the Year, following his leadership in the WAFCON success.
- Veteran Goalkeeper Super Falcons’ goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is once again nominated for CAF Goalkeeper of the Year after previously winning it.
- CAF Awards Location The 2025 CAF Awards gala is scheduled to be held in Marrakech, Morocco.
