Esther Okoronkwo has been named the Super Falcons’ Fans’ Player of the Tournament at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following a string of outstanding performances that helped Nigeria clinch a record-extending 10th continental title.
The announcement was made on Tuesday via the Super Falcons’ official X (formerly Twitter) handle, celebrating the forward’s influence throughout the tournament in Morocco.
“Presenting your #WAFCON2024 Fans’ Player of the Tournament… Esther Okoronkwo, OON. Clutch. Composed. Crowned by the people,” the post read.
Okoronkwo emerged as a key figure in Nigeria’s title-winning campaign, delivering decisive contributions in the knockout stages. In the quarter-final against Zambia, she scored once and provided two assists in Nigeria’s dominant 5–0 victory.
Her most iconic performance came in the final against hosts Morocco. With Nigeria trailing, the 28-year-old forward led the comeback by calmly converting a 60th-minute penalty to level the scores.
She then assisted Folashade Ijamilusi’s strike in the 70th minute before delivering a precise free-kick that set up Jennifer Echegini for the dramatic winner in the 88th minute. Nigeria sealed a thrilling 3–2 win in Rabat to lift the trophy.
Her heroics in the final earned her the Player of the Match award and cemented her status as one of the tournament’s standout players.
Okoronkwo was one of six Super Falcons stars shortlisted for the fan-voted award, which was launched on Monday across the team’s social media platforms.
Other nominees included Jennifer Echegini, Ashleigh Plumptre, Rasheedat Ajibade, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Folashade Ijamilusi—each of whom played vital roles in Nigeria’s historic triumph under head coach Justine Pwanidi Madugu.
In addition to winning the fans’ award, Okoronkwo was also named in the CAF Team of the Tournament, alongside three of her teammates: goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade.
Ajibade, who was named the tournament’s Best Player, hailed the unity and determination of the team. However, it was Okoronkwo’s clinical finishing, calm under pressure, and match-winning presence that left the biggest impression on fans across the continent.