WAFCON 2026: The Cohort of Eight African Football Queens
The TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 is around the corner now. Final touches are in full swing and the spotlight is on the continent.
African Women's Football is shining brightly today thanks to an exceptional alignment of stars: an assembly of eight international stars whose talent, determination and leadership are transforming the game and inspiring a whole generation.
Barbra Banda (Zambia): The Athletic Phenomenon
A true force of nature, the Copper Queens captain is one of the most feared strikers in world football. Currently plying her trade in the USA’s NWSL and accustomed to shining on the Olympic stage, Banda combines lightning speed with a devastating eye for goal. On the pitch, she is not just a clinical finisher, she is the catalyst for a confident Zambian team that now has its sights set on the top of African Football.
Individual achievements:
· African Player of the Year at the 2024 CAF Awards
· Member of the FIFPro Women's Team of the Year in 2024 & 2025
· Member of the CAF Women's Team of the Year in 2023 & 2024
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi): Elegance and Consistency
One half of the famous Malawian Chawinga pair, Tabitha has established herself as a leading figure on the European continent, unlocking the defenses of the toughest teams with Lyon. A modern striker, powerful and clinical with her left foot, she embodies technical excellence. Her ability to lead Malawi to the highest international level makes her one of the major attractions of this tournament.
Individual Achievements:
· Best Player of the Season in China in 2018 and 2019
· Top Scorer in the Chinese Super League in 2018 (17 goals) and 2019 (12 goals)
· Top Scorer in the Chinese Cup in 2019
· Top Scorer in the Swedish Super League in 2017 (26 goals)
· Top Scorer in the Swedish Second Division in 2015 (43 goals)
· Top Scorer in the Swedish Third Division in 2014 (39 goals)
· Top Scorer in the Italian Super League in 2023 (23 goals)
· Best Forward in the Italian Super League 2022/23
· Best Player in the French Super League 2023/24 (First Division)
· Best Player and Team Member French Championship 2023/24 Type of Player (Players' Union)
Temwa Chawinga (Malawi): The Offensive Lightning Bolt
While her older sister is breaking records in Europe, Temwa Chawinga is setting records alight in the United States of America and on the international stage. Winner of multiple top scorer titles, Temwa is a constant threat to opposing defenses. Her almost telepathic understanding with Tabitha gives Malawi a truly unique attacking duo in the world of football, capable of turning any match around at the highest level.
Individual Achievements
· NWSL MVP: 2024 & 2025
· NWSL Top Scorer in 2024 with 20 goals
· NWSL Top Scorer in 2025 with 15 goals
· NWSL Team of the Year in 2024 and 2025
· Top Scorer in the Chinese Women's Super League in 2022 and 2023
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria): The Living Legend
Record six-time African Player of the Year, Agba Baller as she is commonly known by her fans, has nothing left to prove, but her thirst for titles continues driving her day in, day out. Having played for some of the world's biggest clubs from Europe to Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, Oshoala remains the iconic face of the Super Falcons.
Her composure in big matches, her physical strength and experience at the highest level make her the pillar and leader of the most decorated team in the competition's history.
Individual achievements:
· CAF Women's African Player of the Year: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023
· African Young Player of the Year: 2014
· Best Player of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2014
· Top scorer of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2016 with 6 goals
· Best Player of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in 2014
· Top Scorer of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in 2014 with 7 goals
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria): Heart and Light
Nicknamed "Girl with the Blue Hair" for her distinctive hairstyle, Rasheedat Ajibade has gradually taken control of the Nigerian game. Playing for Atlético de Madrid, she combines an impressive work rate, sharp tactical vision and a rare ability to beat defenders one-on-one.
An exemplary captain, she provides the creativity and sharpness needed to keep Nigeria at the top of the continental league.
Individual achievements:
· Joint top scorer at the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2022 with 3 goals
· Best Player at the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024
Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco): The Lionesses' Maestro
As the leader of the Atlas Lionesses, Chebbak embodies the resurgence of women's football in the Kingdom. A free spirit, a set-piece taker of deadly accuracy, and a master of the game, the Moroccan captain dictates the tempo of every match. Her passing ability and natural leadership are the main weapons of an ambitious Moroccan side aiming for the title on home soil.
Individual Achievements:
· African Women's Player of the Year 2025 [CAF Awards]
· CAF TotalEnergies WAFCON Player of the Year 2022
· CAF TotalEnergies WAFCON Top Scorer 2022 with 3 goals
· CAF TotalEnergies WAFCON Top Scorer 2024 with 5 goals
· 5-time Moroccan league top scorer: 2014 (54 goals, record), 2015 (37 goals), 2016 (39 goals), 2017 (35 goals) and 2023 (23 goals)
· 3-time Moroccan league Best Player: 2017/18, 2019/20 and 2021/22
Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa): Banyana Banyana's Lightning Bolt
African Player of the Year 2018 and heroine of South Africa's triumph at the 2022 edition, Thembi Kgatlana is an explosive striker. Capable of beating defenders with a devastating first step, she thrives in open spaces and knows how to be decisive under pressure. Her dynamism and audacity make Banyana Banyana one of the most spectacular teams to watch.
Individual Achievements:
· African Player of the Year 2018 [CAF Awards]
· Best Player of the 2018 TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON
· Top Scorer of the 2018 TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON with 5 goals
· African Goal of the Year 2018 [CAF Awards]
Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné (Cameroon): The Roar of a Legend
A key player for the Indomitable Lionesses, Onguéné embodies tenacity and passion. Competing at the highest level for over a decade, the Cameroonian striker continues to showcase her grit, positioning and powerful shot. More than just a goalscorer, she is the heart and soul of a nation striving for continental glory.
Individual Achievements:
· Best Player of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2016