COMMENT
A trio of Nigeria's top women footballers have been nominated for the maiden NFF Women's Player of the Year award, with the winner set to be unveiled in Lagos on Monday.
Ibom Angels forward Charity Reuben and the Super Falcons duo of Dalian Quanjian's Asisat Oshoala and Atletico Madrid's Francisca Ordega will challenge for the accolade, but which of the three are the best bet for the maiden prize?
Asisat Oshoala
Asisat Oshoala stands head and shoulders above her contenders in the race for the domestic gong following her impressive outings in 2017.
Despite the country's women's side going on a 12-month hiatus, the former Arsenal and Liverpool Ladies star shone brightly for her club side in China.
Her remarkable exploits on her debut season for Dalian Quanjian powered them to a double, which they completed in some style.
The 23-year-old scored 19 goals - 13 in the Chinese Women Super League, four in the Women's Cup, and two in the Super Cup.
Her incredible feat earned her the 2017 Forward of the Year prize in China, while she was also named as Africa's top women's player over the last 12 months.
FB/Charity Reuben
Charity Reuben
The Ibom Angels forward is a strong challenger following her fine displays in 2017 during which Reuben helped her Uyo-based outfit to their first Federation Cup final.
They may have fallen short following a penalty shootout, but she was named Player of the Tournament following a fine campaign, having scored regularly for Ibom - winning the Nigeria Women's Premier League top scorer award with nine goals.
Reuben also played a vital role in Nigeria's qualification for the 2018 Fifa U-20 Women's World Cup in France, notably coming off the bench to net twice in the 5-1 victory over Morocco.
Francisca Ordega
Ordega was a delight to watch in 2017 for her National Women Soccer League side Washington Spirit as she became the first African to bag a Player of the Week award.
Her brace in Spirits 4-3 win over former World Player of the Year Carli Lloyd's Sky Blue FC earned her the prestigious prize.
The Nigerian's stunning showing in 2017, scoring four goals despite an injury-blighted campaign, secured her a loan move to Spanish champions Atletico Madrid as she continues to break new ground for her compatriots.
