Stars who could light up 2026 Wafcon in Morocco as World Cup race begins

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is set to showcase some of the continent’s biggest talents, with established stars and emerging leaders vying not only for the trophy but also for places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The tournament, which runs from 26 July to 16 August, doubles as Africa’s World Cup qualifying competition, heightening the stakes for defending champions Nigeria and the 15 other participating nations.

Below are 10 players expected to have a major influence on the competition.

Nigeria’s title defence built on star quality

Rasheedat Ajibade arrives in Morocco as one of the headline acts of the Super Falcons’ bid to retain their crown. The forward, renowned for her pace, imagination and eye for goal, has become a central figure for Nigeria and was instrumental in their triumph at the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Ajibade captained Nigeria during that campaign, was named Most Valuable Player, collected three Woman of the Match awards and scored crucial goals as the Super Falcons claimed a record-extending 10th continental title. With the new tournament about to kick off, her experience and influence are expected to be pivotal as Nigeria attempt to hold on to their trophy.

Behind her, Chiamaka Nnadozie provides a commanding presence in goal. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers, Nnadozie’s sharp reflexes and consistency have been central to Nigeria’s success. Her performances at recent Wafcon tournaments earned her the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award three years running, in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The Brighton goalkeeper is noted for her dominance in the penalty area and her ability to marshal the defence, helping Nigeria keep multiple clean sheets. She will again be expected to anchor the Super Falcons, drawing on her top-level experience in European football.

Forward Esther Okoronkwo adds another dimension to Nigeria’s attack. Fearless in the final third, she combines intelligent movement with a knack for decisive goals. At the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Okoronkwo was one of Nigeria’s standout performers, contributing key strikes and finishing with the highest number of assists at the tournament as the Super Falcons secured that 10th title. Whether starting or coming off the bench, she is seen as one of the players capable of illuminating the 2026 edition.

Host nation leaning on Chebbak’s influence

For hosts Morocco, midfielder Ghizlane Chebbak remains the driving force of their ambitions. The captain orchestrates play from the middle of the pitch and is the figurehead of the national side.

Chebbak has enjoyed a golden run at recent tournaments, winning consecutive Golden Boot awards at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and being named Best Player. Her form was further recognised when she collected the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. Only the second player in Wafcon history to finish as top scorer in back-to-back editions, she will aim to lead Morocco not just to World Cup qualification, but to a first continental title on home soil.

Zambian firepower spearheaded by Banda and Kundananji

Zambia’s hopes rest heavily on the goalscoring power of Barbra Banda, the Orlando Pride forward who was named 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year. A dynamic and physically imposing striker, Banda is known for her explosive acceleration, ability to burst beyond defensive lines and ruthless finishing, particularly on counter-attacks and through balls.

With Zambia targeting a deep run in Morocco and a place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Banda’s experience and leadership will be central to the Copper Queens’ challenge.

Alongside her, Racheal Kundananji gives Zambia another elite attacking outlet. The forward’s pace and strength regularly unsettle defences, and she played a crucial role in qualification for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a hat-trick in a key fixture. Kundananji also impressed in warm-up matches ahead of the tournament and stepped up as the team’s main attacking threat during the qualifying series when Banda was sidelined by injury. She will again be expected to drive Zambia’s push for success in Morocco.

South Africa banking on big-game pedigree

South Africa bring a frontline packed with experience and proven big-tournament performers.

Thembi Kgatlana remains the side’s principal attacking threat. The forward, who plays her club football for Tigres UANL, is known for her work rate, speed and danger on the counter-attack. She has a strong Wafcon pedigree, having won both Player of the Tournament and top scorer at the 2018 edition. Kgatlana also scored the decisive goal against DR Congo in qualifying to secure Banyana Banyana’s place at the 2026 finals, underlining her status as the heartbeat of their attack.

Hildah Magaia, nicknamed “The Breadwinner”, has built a reputation as a player for the biggest occasions. She etched her name into South African football history with a brace in the 2022 Wafcon final, scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory over Morocco that delivered South Africa’s first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title. After overcoming recent injury issues following her spell with Spanish side Deportivo de La Coruna, Magaia has returned to fitness in time to be included in the squad for Morocco.

Malawi’s historic debut led by Chawinga sisters

Malawi are set for their first-ever appearance at a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, and their debut will be shaped by one of the most formidable strike partnerships in the women’s game.

Captain Tabitha Chawinga is a world-class forward capable of transforming matches on her own. Blessed with exceptional pace, strength and clinical finishing, she arrives in Morocco on the back of an outstanding club season in France, where she averaged a goal involvement every game. She will lead Malawi in their historic first outing at the continental showpiece.

Her sister, Temwa Chawinga, offers a similarly lethal threat in front of goal. An agile and direct forward with explosive speed, close control and a powerful left-footed finish, she plays for Kansas City Current in the NWSL. Together, the Chawinga sisters form a prolific partnership that will be central to Malawi’s hopes of making an impact in their maiden Wafcon campaign.