- Nkiru Okosieme was the first Golden Boot winner in WAFCON history.
- Mercy Akide scored seven goals in the 2000 tournament, displaying remarkable skill.
- Perpetua Nkwocha remains the all-time top scorer with 34 WAFCON goals.
- Desire Oparanozie won the Golden Boot with five goals in the 2014 edition.
- Asisat Oshoala scored six goals in 2016, finally clinching her Golden Boot.
- Rasheedat Ajibade shared the Golden Boot after scoring three goals in 2022.
Pioneers of Nigerian Goal Scoring in WAFCON
Nigeria’s success in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is storied and prominently features six key players who have defined the goal-scoring legacy for the nation. The first on this illustrious list is Nkiru Okosieme, who made history in 1998 as the Golden Boot recipient during the inaugural tournament. Known as ‘The Headmistress’ for her exceptional heading ability, she bagged three goals in that tournament, helping Nigeria claim their first continental title with a decisive victory over Ghana in the final. It was a dramatic start to Nigeria’s tradition of excellence in the tournament.
Midfield Marvels: The Legend of Mercy Akide
The saga continued two years later when Mercy Akide burst onto the scene in South Africa during the 2000 edition of WAFCON. With her fierce midfield play and knack for scoring, Akide amassed an impressive seven goals, a record for midfielders that showcased her unique ability to influence matches from a position usually not associated with prolific scoring. Akide’s performances, including a standout four-goal showing against different opponents, further solidified Nigeria’s dominance in women’s football, demonstrating that tactical versatility could combine with scoring prowess.
Perpetua Nkwocha’s Unmatched Legacy
No discussion of WAFCON’s top scorers would be complete without recognizing the phenomenal Perpetua Nkwocha, who remains the all-time leading scorer with a staggering 34 goals across her tournaments. Nkwocha’s reign spanned several editions—2002, 2004, 2006, and 2010—achieving the top-scorer title in each. Her breathtaking four-goal performance in the 2004 final against Cameroon encapsulated her brilliance and further elevated her status in African football. In subsequent tournaments, she continued to rack up goals, setting records that have yet to be broken and greatly influencing the trajectory of Nigerian women’s football.
Rising Stars: Oparanozie’s Tenacity in 2014
Fast forward to 2014, the emergence of Desire Oparanozie added another dimension to Nigeria’s attacking prowess. The forward, only 21 at the time, delivered a powerful performance, ending the tournament with five goals and clinching the Golden Boot. Notably, she scored key goals that included a pivotal opener in the final match against Cameroon that sealed Nigeria’s triumph in that edition. Oparanozie showcased a commendable finishing ability that reinforced Nigeria’s credentials on the African stage, indicating the depth of talent the country possessed.
Asisat Oshoala: A Star is Born
Then came the notable figure of Asisat Oshoala in 2016, who had already built an impressive individual resume prior to the tournament. Her mission: to finally capture the elusive WAFCON Golden Boot. Oshoala did not disappoint, netting six goals with a record-breaking four in Nigeria’s opening match against Mali, a feat last accomplished by Nkwocha. By the end of the tournament, her contributions sealed her status as the top scorer, closing the chapter on her search for individual glory at the continental level. With this, Oshoala established herself firmly among the best, setting a benchmark for future players to strive towards.
New Generation: Ajibade’s Promise for the Future
The most recent addition to this remarkable line-up is Rasheedat Ajibade, who came into the spotlight during the 2022 edition in Morocco. As an Atlético Madrid forward, Ajibade showed remarkable resilience, despite Nigeria’s mixed results in the tournament. She scored three pivotal goals, sharing the Golden Boot in a competitive bid while helping her team secure crucial matches that led them on a journey to the World Cup. At just 22, Ajibade’s prowess hinted that the next generation of Nigerian players is rising, heralding a new chapter in the Super Falcons’ history and underlining the team’s ongoing legacy of excellence in women’s football.
In conclusion, these six Nigerian players—Nkiru Okosieme, Mercy Akide, Perpetua Nkwocha, Desire Oparanozie, Asisat Oshoala, and Rasheedat Ajibade—represent not only individual excellence but also the strength and resilience of Nigerian women’s football on the continental stage. They have each carved their names into the annals of WAFCON history with decisive contributions that not only brought personal accolades but also propelled Nigeria to numerous victories. As Ajibade leads the charge for a new title, it’s clear that the foundation laid by these legends continues to influence and inspire future generations.
