Ivorian women's football resonated with excellence and recognition on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 , during a solemn ceremony organized by the Ministry of Sports . Habibou Ouédraogo , an Ivorian international and emblematic figure of national women's football, was honored with the rank of Knight in the Ivorian Order of Sporting Merit .

The award was presented by Mr. Adjé Silas Metch , Minister of Sports, in the presence of the President of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) , Mr. Yacine Idriss Diallo , accompanied by a large delegation from the federation. Members of the ministerial cabinet, sports officials, and coaches of women's football also participated in this highly symbolic moment.

A career marked by excellence

Initiated on the instructions of the Minister of Sports, this distinction recognizes an exceptional career , marked by remarkable performances and trophies that have left a lasting mark on Ivorian and African sport.

A true goal machine , Habibou Ouédraogo distinguished herself by finishing as the top scorer in the Division 1 women's championship for two consecutive seasons, with 33 goals in 2024 and 39 goals in 2025 , statistics that testify to her consistency and her extraordinary talent.

Playing for ASEC Mimosas , the striker also shone on the sub-regional and continental stage. In 2025 , she was voted Best Player of the WAFU B tournament , before playing a key role in ASEC Mimosas' historic qualification for the CAF Women's Champions League .

The Ivorian club will reach the final of the competition, a historic first for an Ivorian women's team.

During this prestigious competition, Habibou Ouédraogo was twice named Woman of the Match , then Best Player of the tournament , confirming her status as a leading figure in African women's football.

Powerful tributes that promise a bright future

Speaking at the event, the President of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), Mr. Yacine Idriss Diallo , congratulated the Minister of Sports on his reappointment to head the department, while also praising the exemplary collaboration between the Federation and the Ministry. He emphasized the Minister's enlightened vision, noting that he himself is passionate about sports, and expressed his belief that this distinction awarded to Habibou Ouédraogo would provide further motivation to reach even greater heights.

For his part, Minister Adjé Silas Metch expressed his immense pride in celebrating a "national hero." He described the award as "a loan for the future," emphasizing that it recognizes not only the player's past achievements but also the confidence placed in her future success . He encouraged Habibou Ouédraogo to continue bringing honor to Côte d'Ivoire on the field, praising it as a gesture of love, recognition, and faith in her immense potential.

A renewed commitment to Ivory Coast

In a solemn moment of the ceremony, the Minister of Sports, by virtue of the powers conferred upon him, officially elevated Habibou Ouédraogo to the rank of Knight in the Ivorian Order of Sporting Merit .

Visibly moved, the recipient expressed her deep gratitude, dedicating this distinction to her teammates from the national team and ASEC Mimosas , to her technical staff , to her family and to all her supporters .

Determined and ambitious, Habibou Ouédraogo has committed to aiming even higher , with the next Women's AFCON in Morocco in her sights, promising to continue to wear the colors of Ivory Coast with pride, determination and excellence .