The countdown to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is reaching its final stages, and all eyes are now turning to Morocco as Africa’s best female footballers prepare to battle for continental glory.
With the tournament approaching, the spotlight is firmly on a group of exceptional players whose talent, experience and leadership could shape the outcome of WAFCON 2026. Among them are eight standout African football stars who have already established themselves as major figures in women’s football.
From Nigeria’s legendary Asisat Oshoala and influential captain Rasheedat Ajibade to Zambia’s powerful Barbra Banda and South Africa’s explosive Thembi Kgatlana, the tournament promises to showcase some of the biggest names in African women’s football, the story goes beyond individual brilliance. These players represent the growth, ambition and increasing global recognition of women’s football in Africa.
Few players carry the weight of history quite like Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala, the Super Falcons forward remains one of the biggest names in African football and has built a remarkable career across Europe, Saudi Arabia and the United States.
A six-time African Women’s Player of the Year, Oshoala has repeatedly shown her ability to perform when the pressure is highest. Her strength, movement and finishing have made her a nightmare for defenders, while her experience continues to provide Nigeria with an important advantage.
Oshoala’s record includes six African Player of the Year awards, making her one of the most decorated footballers the continent has produced.
At WAFCON 2026, her experience could once again prove priceless as the Super Falcons chase another continental title.
While Oshoala represents experience and history, Rasheedat Ajibade represents the present and future of Nigerian women’s football.
The Atlético de Madrid star has grown into one of the most influential players in the Super Falcons squad. Known for her work rate, creativity and ability to beat defenders, Ajibade brings energy and purpose to Nigeria’s midfield and attack.
Her performances at the previous WAFCON earned her the Player of the Tournament award, while she also finished as a joint top scorer at the 2022 edition.
With Nigeria looking to defend its continental crown, Ajibade will be one of the players expected to carry the team’s ambitions on her shoulders.
Zambia will head into WAFCON 2026 with one of the most feared attackers in African football.
Barbra Banda has become a global star thanks to her explosive pace, physical strength and ruthless finishing. The Copper Queens captain is capable of changing a match in a matter of minutes, making her one of the biggest threats Nigeria and other title contenders will have to watch.
Her achievements include winning the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year award and earning recognition in both the FIFPro Women’s Team of the Year and CAF Women’s Team of the Year.
Banda is not simply a goalscorer. She is the player Zambia look to when they need inspiration, and her leadership will be crucial to the Copper Queens’ hopes in Morocco.
Malawi’s hopes will be heavily influenced by the quality of Tabitha Chawinga.
The experienced forward has built a reputation as one of the most consistent African attackers of her generation. Her career has seen her dominate scoring charts in several leagues, including China, Sweden, Italy and France.
Chawinga’s ability to combine technical quality with power and intelligent movement makes her one of the players capable of producing something special at WAFCON 2026.
For Malawi, her experience at the highest level could be the difference between simply competing and making a serious impact.
If Tabitha brings experience, her younger sister Temwa brings explosive energy.
Temwa Chawinga has made her name in the United States, where her goalscoring record has earned her widespread recognition. She won the NWSL MVP award in 2024 and 2025 and finished as the league’s top scorer in 2024 with 20 goals.
Her understanding with Tabitha gives Malawi an exciting attacking partnership that could cause problems for defenders throughout the competition.
The Chawinga sisters will be one of the most interesting storylines to watch as WAFCON 2026 unfolds.
Playing on home soil, Morocco will look to captain Ghizlane Chebbak to lead their challenge for the title.
Chebbak has become one of the leading figures in the rise of Moroccan women’s football. A technically gifted midfielder with an excellent passing range and dangerous set-piece ability, she has the quality to control matches and unlock stubborn defences.
Her individual achievements include winning the 2025 African Women’s Player of the Year award and being named the WAFCON Player of the Year in 2022.
With the Atlas Lionesses enjoying home support, Chebbak’s leadership and creativity could be central to Morocco’s hopes of going all the way.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana will also arrive with a proven match-winner in Thembi Kgatlana.
The 2018 African Player of the Year was instrumental in South Africa’s WAFCON triumph and remains one of the continent’s most dangerous attackers.
Kgatlana’s speed, direct running and ability to perform under pressure make her a constant threat in open spaces.
Her previous achievements include winning the 2018 WAFCON Player of the Tournament award and finishing as the competition’s top scorer with five goals.
South Africa will be hoping that her experience and attacking ability can help them challenge for another continental crown.
Cameroon will rely on the experience and determination of Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné.
A veteran of African women’s football, Onguéné has spent more than a decade competing at the highest level and remains an important figure for the Indomitable Lionesses.
Her strength, positioning and powerful shooting have made her a difficult opponent over the years. She was also named the Best Player of the 2016 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
At WAFCON 2026, her leadership could be vital for a Cameroon side determined to compete with Africa’s best.
The presence of these eight football queens underlines just how much African women’s football continues to grow.
The tournament will not only be about individual stars. It will also be about teams, tactics, preparation and the desire to make history.
For the Super Falcons, the challenge is clear. Nigeria remains the most successful team in WAFCON history, and the pressure will be enormous as the reigning champions seek to add another title to their impressive record, but the road to glory will not be easy.
Zambia have Barbra Banda. Malawi have the Chawinga sisters. Morocco have home advantage and Ghizlane Chebbak. South Africa have Thembi Kgatlana, while Cameroon will count on the experience of Onguéné.
And Nigeria? The Super Falcons have a blend of experience, youth and quality, led by established stars such as Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade.
That is what makes WAFCON 2026 so exciting, africa’s football queens are ready. The stage is set in Morocco, and with so much talent on display, fans can expect a tournament filled with goals, drama, passion and unforgettable moments.
One thing is certain: African women’s football is no longer waiting for the world to take notice. The world is already watching.
