The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will take centre stage in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August, with defending champions Nigeria and 15 other nations battling for continental supremacy.
Beyond the race for the coveted trophy, the tournament also serves as Africa’s qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, adding even greater significance to every match.
As Africa’s biggest women’s football showpiece gets underway, Completesports.com‘s AUGUSTINE AKHILOMEN highlights 10 standout players expected to make a decisive impact at WAFCON 2026.
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)
An outstanding player known for her pace, creativity, and eye for goal whenever given the opportunity, Ajibade has become an integral part of the Super Falcons squad, leading the team to glory at the last edition of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in 2025.
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Ajibade starred as captain and Most Valuable Player (MVP) for Nigeria’s Super Falcons during their title-winning campaign, earning three Woman of the Match awards, scoring critical goals, and helping the team win their record-extending 10th continental crown.
With the WAFCON tournament just a day away from kicking off, Ajibade’s wealth of experience will definitely count for the Super Falcons as they hope to defend their title.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Having cemented her reputation as one of the finest world-class goalkeepers to emerge from Africa, Nnadozie’s quick reflexes and outstanding saves make her a vital element of the Super Falcons squad.
Her dominant WAFCON displays directly contributed to her winning the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
She is known for commanding her penalty area with authority and organising the backline to secure multiple clean sheets for Nigeria.
The Brighton goalkeeper is expected to anchor the Super Falcons as they prepare to defend their title, backed by her high-level club experience in Europe.
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Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco)
The veteran midfielder and talismanic captain orchestrates play and drives the host nation’s ambitions.
The Moroccan captain delivered a historic performance at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, winning back-to-back Golden Boot awards, securing the Best Player accolade, and later earning the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year title.
Chebbak, who became only the second player in WAFCON history to claim back-to-back top scorer honours, will be hoping not only to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup but also to help her country win the WAFCON on home soil.
Barbra Banda (Zambia)
The powerful Orlando Pride star and 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year leads Zambia’s potent attack at the 2026 WAFCON.
She is an elite, explosive striker known for her blistering pace, clinical finishing, and physical dominance. She uses rapid acceleration to beat defensive lines, making her lethal on counter-attacks and through balls.
Chasing a deep tournament run and a coveted FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification spot, Banda’s experience will come in handy for Zambia as the Copper Queens hope to rewrite history in Morocco.
Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria)
A sharp, fearless forward who provides crucial goals and intelligent movement in the final third.
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Okoronkwo delivered a legendary performance at the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), spearheading Nigeria’s historic run to their record-extending 10th continental title with decisive goals and a tournament-high number of assists.
She is blessed with immense versatility and influence, whether coming off the bench or starting. She is one of the key players the Super Falcons will be banking on to light up the tournament.
Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa)
A rapid and experienced forward who relies on her high work rate and counter-attacking brilliance.
Kgatlana is a star forward for South Africa. She won the Player of the Tournament and top scorer awards at the 2018 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and later scored the crucial qualification goal against DR Congo to send Banyana Banyana to the 2026 tournament.
She serves as the primary attacking weapon and heartbeat of the South African attack, utilising her pace and international experience with club side Tigres UANL.
Racheal Kundananji (Zambia)
An elite, record-breaking forward whose blistering speed and strength cause constant problems for defenders.
Kundananji’s vital contributions for Zambia include a crucial qualification hat-trick and impressive warm-up form heading into the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
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She stepped up to lead the team effectively in the absence of injured teammate Barbra Banda during the qualifying series and will be hoping to lead the Copper Queens to glory in Morocco.
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi)
A world-class forward capable of single-handedly changing games with her blistering pace, exceptional physical strength, and clinical finishing.
Chawinga is captaining Malawi at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, leading her nation in its historic first appearance at the continental finals.
She enters the tournament as a key player to watch following a stellar club season in France, where she averaged a goal involvement per game.
Hildah Magaia (South Africa)
Known as a big-match player who routinely steps up with crucial goals for the South African side.
Magaia is a legendary figure for Banyana Banyana, famously nicknamed “The Breadwinner” for her clutch performances, highlighted by her historic brace in the 2022 WAFCON final. She scored both goals in a 2-1 victory over Morocco to secure South Africa’s first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
However, she overcame recent injury setbacks following her stint with Spanish side Deportivo de La Coruña to return fit for the squad ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
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Temwa Chawinga (Malawi)
Sister to Tabitha, she matches her sibling’s elite goalscoring pedigree to form one of international football’s most feared strike partnerships.
This historic tournament marks Malawi’s first-ever appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Chawinga is an electric, record-breaking forward known for her elite pace, close ball control, and clinical left-footed finishing. She plays for the Kansas City Current in the NWSL.
