Echejinni Disappointed Over Ajibade, Okoronkwo, Madugu CAF Awards Snub

Echejinni Disappointed Over Ajibade, Okoronkwo, Madugu CAF Awards Snub

Sampson Adedeji

Super Falcons midfielder Jennifer Echejinni has expressed disappointment following the omission of her teammates from top honours at the recent Confederation of African Football awards, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Echejinni voiced her frustration after Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo failed to win the Women’s African Player of the Year award.

 She also lamented the absence of head coach Justin Madugu from the Coach of the Year winners.

Speaking to Osasu Obayiuwana, Echejinni questioned the selection criteria used in determining the award recipients.

“It’s difficult. I think we deserved it 100%. I don’t know what criteria they are using for the selection,” she said.

The midfielder admitted that while she tries not to dwell too much on individual accolades, Okoronkwo’s failure to make the final three-man shortlist for the African Women’s Footballer of the Year award was particularly upsetting.

“As much as I am upset for the team, I don’t really think too much about it, but Okoronkwo not winning or even making CAF’s final AFOTY shortlist of three really upset me, actually,” Echejinni added.

“I am sure she is disappointed. She deserved to be in the top three at least.”

Nigeria’s women’s national team enjoyed an impressive run during the year under review, with several players delivering standout performances both at club and international level. 

However, the Super Falcons contingent fell short in the major individual categories, a development that has sparked reactions among players and supporters alike.