Nigerian players have emerged as the dominant force in the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) women’s Africa XI, with four Super Falcons stars included in the best women’s team on the continent for 2025.
The selection, released by the IFFHS as its women’s CAF team of the year for 2025, features goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Michelle Alozie and Asheigh Plumptre, and midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Rasheedat Ajibade, which underline Nigeria’s continued influence in African women’s football.
Nnadozie anchors the side in goal, reflecting her reputation as Africa’s leading goalkeepers through her performances for Nigeria, French club Paris FC and English club Brighton and Hove Albion, where she has combined consistent shot-stopping with leadership responsibilities.
Alozie and Plumptre are named in a defence that blends athleticism and physical strength, alongside South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane and Lebohang Ramalepe.
In midfield, Ucheibe provides defensive stability, while Ajibade is selected for her attacking drive and creativity, forming a balanced trio with Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak, holder of the 2025 CAF African Women’s Player of the Year.
The forward line is completed by Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga, Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Morocco’s Sanaâ Mssoudy, highlighting a mix of proven international stars and emerging talent across the continent.
The IFFHS noted that the XI is a projection for 2025 rather than a retrospective award, based on statistical analysis and expert assessment of player performances at club and international level.
The organisation said the selection reflects the nations currently shaping the growth and competitiveness of women’s football in Africa, with strong representation from Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco and Zambia.
Founded in 1984 in Germany, the IFFHS is an independent body recognised by FIFA and widely respected for its global statistical research and annual rankings. Its continental teams of the year are regarded as benchmarks, often drawing attention to standout performers across the globe.
