The Super Falcons’ official X Twitter made the news on Tuesday in honor of the forward’s performance in the just-finished championship in Morocco.
“Introducing the Player of the Tournament for the #WAFCON2024 Fans… OON’s Esther Okoronkwo. The clutch. Written. The post said, “Crowned by the people.”
Okoronkwo played a key role in Nigeria’s successful run, putting on strong performances during the elimination stages.
She contributed one goal and two assists in the Falcons’ decisive 5–0 victory over Zambia in the quarterfinals, which sent them cruising into the semi-finals.
She followed that up with a valiant performance on Saturday against the hosts, Morocco, in the final. The 28-year-old led Nigeria’s comeback after they fell down, coolly converting a penalty kick in the 60th minute to tie the score.
After helping Folashade Ijamilusi score in the 70th minute, she set up Jennifer Echegini for the thrilling late winner in the 88th minute with a brilliantly weighted free kick. In Rabat, Nigeria prevailed 3–2.
She won Player of the Match for her match-winning performance in the championship match, solidifying her status as one of the most decisive players in the competition.
After Nigeria’s historic WAFCON victory, Okoronkwo was one of six Super Falcons players shortlisted for the fan-voted honor. Others who played a significant role in Nigeria’s victory under head coach Justine Pwanidi Madugu were Jennifer Echegini, Ashleigh Plumptre, Rasheedat Ajibade, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Folashade Ijamilusi.
Supporters were encouraged to identify the player who had the most influence when the fans’ poll was introduced on Monday through the team’s official social media accounts.
Esther’s accomplishment caps off an outstanding individual campaign in which she was selected as one of four Nigerians to be named to the CAF Team of the campaign. The esteemed list also included captain Rasheedat Ajibade, defender Michelle Alozie, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
After the final whistle, Ajibade, who won the tournament’s Best Player award, commended the team’s unity, but Okoronkwo’s accuracy, poise, and big-game attitude were what the supporters were most impressed with.
