WAFCON 2026 Golden Boot: Banda, Chebbak and Oshoala headline race for top scorer award

The contest to be the leading goalscorer at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is shaping up to be one of the tournament’s defining storylines, with some of the continent’s most feared forwards poised to chase the Golden Boot alongside the trophy itself.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons, arriving in Morocco as defending champions, are among several sides boasting elite attacking options, but they will not have the field to themselves. Hosts Morocco, South Africa, Zambia and Ghana all bring prolific scorers capable of transforming matches – and the destination of the top-scorer award.

Tactical approaches, group-stage draws and how far teams progress in the knockout phase will inevitably shape the final scoring chart. Even so, a core group of established stars already stand out as leading contenders to finish as WAFCON 2026’s most lethal finisher.

Banda leads the charge for Zambia

Few strikers in the women’s game carry the same aura as Barbra Banda.

The Orlando Pride captain blends explosive pace with power and a ruthless eye for goal, attributes that make her one of the most intimidating forwards heading to Morocco. She has long been the focal point of Zambia’s attack and remains the player opposition defences most fear.

Zambia’s last WAFCON campaign ended in frustration with a quarter-final defeat by Nigeria, but Banda still underlined her ability to trouble any back line. If the Copper Queens can progress deeper into the tournament this time, the 24-year-old will be widely viewed as the frontrunner for the Golden Boot.

Chebbak central to Morocco’s home hopes

Hosts Morocco are again expected to turn to captain Ghizlane Chebbak for inspiration in the final third.

The Al Hilal striker, now 35, finished as top scorer at WAFCON 2025 with five goals and has repeatedly delivered on Moroccan soil, helping guide the Atlas Lionesses to consecutive finals. Her record under pressure and in front of home fans has cemented her status as the team’s talisman.

With Morocco likely to dominate possession against several group opponents and backed by fervent home support, Chebbak appears well placed for another productive tournament, provided she can maintain fitness and sharpness across what could be a long campaign.

Okoronkwo emerges as key Super Falcons threat

While some of Nigeria’s established stars naturally draw attention, Esther Okoronkwo has quietly evolved into one of the Super Falcons’ most dangerous attacking outlets.

The AFC Toronto forward was a standout performer during Nigeria’s triumphant 2025 WAFCON run, ending the competition with two goals and six assists. She produced a Player of the Match display in the final against Morocco, underlining her influence in crucial moments.

Okoronkwo’s movement between the lines, creativity around the box and instinct for goal elevate her into the conversation for the Golden Boot. She is expected to be central to head coach Justine Madugu’s plans as Nigeria pursue both an 11th continental title and qualification for the next Women’s World Cup.

Kgatlana remains South Africa’s big-game specialist

For South Africa, much will again rest on the shoulders of their experienced forward Kgatlana.

A long-serving leader for Banyana Banyana, Kgatlana has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most reliable big-game performers. Although she does not possess great aerial strength, she compensates through acceleration, clever off-the-ball runs and composure in one-on-one situations.

The 2022 champions are not regarded as the outright favourites this time, but their prospects of advancing deep into the tournament could hinge on Kgatlana’s form. Should South Africa make it past the quarter-finals, her knack for decisive contributions could propel her up the scoring charts.

Oshoala still a major force for Nigeria

Asisat Oshoala may be in the latter stages of a glittering career, yet she remains among Africa’s most clinical forwards.

Her recent displays for Nigeria have been mixed, with the striker enduring a relatively lean period in the Super Falcons’ green and white over the past two years. However, her club form for Al Hilal – 18 goals in 19 matches – serves as a clear warning to defences heading to Morocco.

The six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year has consistently produced on major stages for both club and country over the last decade and understands the demands of tournament football as well as any of her peers.

If Madugu opts to build Nigeria’s attack around her as the focal point, Oshoala’s experience and penalty-box instincts could put her firmly in contention as the WAFCON 2026 Golden Boot race unfolds.