WAFCON 2026 promises another tournament full of stars. Find out what Players To Watch At WAFCON 2026.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has rarely been short of memorable individual performances. Whether it was Thembi Kgatlana leading South Africa to the final in 2018, Ghizlane Chebbak finishing as the tournament’s top scorer in 2024 or Esther Okoronkwo producing six assists to help Nigeria lift the trophy, the continent’s biggest tournament has consistently created new heroes.
This year’s competition arrives with even greater significance. Not only will teams compete to become African champions, but the tournament also serves as a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the semi-finalists qualifying automatically and two more nations earning a place in the intercontinental play-offs.
Recent editions have shown just how influential individuals can be. Nigeria finished as the highest-scoring side on their way to the 2024 title, while Chebbak claimed the Golden Boot with five goals. Okoronkwo created more goals than anyone else, providing six assists in six matches, and South Africa’s title-winning campaign in 2022 was built around leaders such as Rasheedat Ajibade’s fellow Golden Boot winners and a disciplined collective performance.
With WAFCON 2026 about to begin in Morocco, these are ten players who could define the tournament.
Barbra Banda (Zambia)
If there is one player capable of changing a match within seconds, it is Barbra Banda.
The Zambia captain arrives in Morocco in outstanding form after leading the NWSL scoring charts, and few defenders possess the physical attributes to contain her. Her acceleration allows her to burst beyond defensive lines, while her strength makes it almost impossible to knock her off the ball once she gathers momentum.
Banda combines pace with remarkable power. Her shooting can beat goalkeepers before they have time to react, while standing at 1.78 metres also makes her a constant aerial threat inside the penalty area.
Zambia have steadily established themselves among Africa’s strongest teams, but lifting a first WAFCON title will almost certainly require Banda to produce the decisive moments that have made her one of the continent’s biggest stars.
Temwa Chawinga (Malawi)
The reigning NWSL MVP and Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga has built her reputation on explosive pace, intelligent movement and an ability to make the right decision under pressure. She can create chances for teammates, beat defenders in one-on-one situations and finish opportunities herself, making her one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking players.
Malawi have never reached the knockout stages of WAFCON, but Chawinga gives them genuine belief that history can be made. Every opponent will know her qualities before kick-off, yet stopping her is an entirely different challenge.
If Malawi are to spring one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, expect Chawinga to be at the heart of it.
Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco)
Hosting a major tournament always brings added expectation, and no Moroccan player embodies that responsibility more than captain Ghizlane Chebbak.
Chebbak finished as the top scorer at the previous WAFCON with five goals as Morocco reached the final, establishing herself as one of African football’s leading attacking midfielders. Beyond her goals, she provides composure, leadership and creativity in the final third.
Morocco have continued investing heavily in women’s football since hosting the last edition, and another deep run would further underline that progress. Playing in front of home supporters once again, Chebbak has the opportunity to inspire another memorable tournament.
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)
Few players carry the same stature as Asisat Oshoala. A six-time African Player of the Year and four-time WAFCON winner, the Nigerian forward remains one of the continent’s most recognisable footballers. Her experience of competing at the highest level gives Nigeria an invaluable presence in big moments.
Ahead of the tournament, Oshoala has spoken about wanting to retain Nigeria’s title while also calling for greater promotion and broadcasting of WAFCON to increase the visibility of African women’s football.
She may no longer be Nigeria’s only headline act, but whenever the Super Falcons step onto the pitch, Oshoala remains one of the players opponents fear most.
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)
Captains often define tournaments without always dominating the headlines. Ajibade did exactly that during Nigeria’s victorious 2024 campaign, leading the Super Falcons to a record-extending tenth continental title while collecting the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award and three Player of the Match honours.
Now preparing for another WAFCON, the captain has already begun her own off-season programme to ensure she arrives in peak condition.
Nigeria possess quality throughout the squad, but Ajibade’s leadership, work rate and ability to raise the standard around her teammates make her one of the competition’s most influential figures.
Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria)
Every tournament produces one player whose reputation rises to another level. Esther Okoronkwo already achieved that at the last WAFCON.
After missing the 2022 tournament through an ACL injury, the forward returned to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s title-winning campaign. She finished as the tournament’s leading assist provider with six assists in six matches, including the decisive delivery for Jennifer Echegini’s dramatic winning goal in the final.
Okoronkwo describes creating chances as something that comes naturally, but her influence extends beyond statistics. Her movement, ability to link play and willingness to drift into different attacking positions make Nigeria less predictable in possession.
She enters WAFCON 2026 determined to defend the title rather than individual honours, but another outstanding tournament could further cement her place among Africa’s elite players.
Refiloe Jane (South Africa)
South Africa’s ambitions extend beyond defending their continental reputation. Captain Refiloe Jane has made it clear that Banyana Banyana’s primary objective is securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup before thinking about anything else.
That mentality reflects Jane’s influence on the team. Calm in possession and capable of controlling the rhythm of a match, she provides the platform for South Africa’s attacking players while also helping integrate a new generation into the squad.
Tournament football is often decided by midfield control, and Jane remains one of the continent’s best at dictating it.
Racheal Kundananji (Zambia)
Much of the attention surrounding Zambia understandably falls on Barbra Banda, but focusing solely on one forward can be costly. Racheal Kundananji offers a different type of threat. She combines pace with direct running and consistently stretches opposition defences, creating space for teammates while remaining a prolific scorer herself.
She already arrives with international momentum after helping Zambia win the Four Nations Tournament earlier this year and contributing a goal and an assist in the final. Together, Banda and Kundananji form one of the most exciting strike partnerships at WAFCON 2026.
Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa)
Big tournaments have often brought out the best in Thembi Kgatlana. The South African forward announced herself by finishing as the top scorer and Player of the Tournament in 2018 before helping Banyana Banyana win their first WAFCON title in 2022.
After overcoming injury setbacks, Kgatlana also starred at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, scoring twice and assisting twice as South Africa reached the Round of 16 for the first time.
Now back with the national team after injury and preparing through high-level friendlies against Japan, Kgatlana returns with another opportunity to influence the biggest matches when they matter most.
Cynthia Konlan (Ghana)
Goals often dominate the headlines, but tournaments can also be won by goalkeepers.
Ghana’s Cynthia Konlan arrives in Morocco in excellent form after winning the Best Goalkeeper award at the Pink Ladies Cup in the United Arab Emirates. The FC Samartex Ladies goalkeeper kept two clean sheets in two matches, helping the Black Queens lift the trophy while showcasing her consistency and sharp reflexes.
As Ghana’s deputy captain, Konlan’s influence extends beyond making saves. She organises the defence, brings calm under pressure and provides the foundation that allows the rest of the team to play with confidence.
If Ghana are to enjoy a successful return to WAFCON, expect Konlan to play a central role.
Every edition of WAFCON creates new stories, but the players who lift trophies, score decisive goals or produce unforgettable saves are the ones who shape how the tournament is remembered. Some of these names arrive as established stars, while others have the opportunity to elevate their reputation on Africa’s biggest stage. By the time the final whistle blows in Morocco, at least one of them is likely to have defined WAFCON 2026.
Source: CAF 10 Players To Watch At WAFCON 2026
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