FIVE SUPER FALCONS NAMED IN IFFHS AFRICA BEST XI FOR 2025

By: Gyang Dakwo

Five players from the Super Falcons have been named in the International Federation of Football History and Statistics Women’s Africa Best XI for 2025, a list that highlights the top performers on the continent over the past year.

The team, released by the IFFHS on its official platforms, includes goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre, and midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Rasheedat Ajibade. However, no Nigerian forward made the final selection, even though the Super Falcons enjoyed strong attacking displays during the year.

Nigeria produced the highest number of players in the Best XI, and this placed the country ahead of Morocco and South Africa, who each had two players. Zambia and Malawi completed the line up with one player each.

Nnadozie retained her place as the goalkeeper, and this reflected her status as Africa’s leading player in that position. The Brighton and Hove Albion shot stopper has now won the continent’s best goalkeeper award for three straight years, and many see her as the most reliable goalkeeper in African football.

Alozie was chosen at right back, while South Africa’s Lebohang Ramalepe took the left back spot. In central defence, Plumptre was paired with South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane, and together they formed a balanced and experienced partnership.

The midfield featured Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak, who was named the 2025 CAF African Women’s Player of the Year, alongside Super Falcons captain Ajibade and Ucheibe. The trio gave the team both creativity and strength in the middle of the pitch.

Up front, the attacking line included Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga, Zambia’s Barbra Banda, and Morocco’s Sanaâ Mssoudy. Notably absent were some of Nigeria’s regular attackers, including Jennifer Echegini, Esther Okoronkwo, and Asisat Oshoala, who all played key roles in the country’s last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph.