Super Falcons Captain Ajibade, Zambia’s Banda Among Stars Set To Dominate 2026 WAFCON

According to Ireporter Online, Ajibade was named the Most Valuable Player of the last tournament after delivering a series of impressive performances, winning three Woman of the Match awards and playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s title-winning campaign.

The Atletico Madrid forward is expected to once again lead the Super Falcons’ charge as they aim to defend their WAFCON crown, with her pace, leadership qualities and attacking ability set to remain vital to Nigeria’s ambitions.

Nigeria will also rely heavily on goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who is widely regarded as one of Africa’s top shot-stoppers. The Brighton goalkeeper enters the tournament as a three-time consecutive CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year winner and is expected to provide strong defensive leadership for the defending champions.

Hosts Morocco will be counting on captain Ghizlane Chebbak as they chase their first-ever WAFCON title on home soil. The experienced midfielder has enjoyed a remarkable period in her career, winning back-to-back Golden Boot awards, the tournament’s Best Player award and the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year honour.

Zambia’s hopes will be led by Barbra Banda, one of the most dangerous attackers in African football. The Orlando Pride striker, who was named the 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, is known for her speed, physical strength and clinical finishing as she looks to guide the Copper Queens to a strong tournament finish.

Another Nigerian player expected to make an impact is Esther Okoronkwo, whose performances helped the Super Falcons secure continental glory in the previous edition. Her creativity, goal-scoring ability and attacking versatility make her one of the players many fans will be watching closely.

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana will once again depend on the talents of Thembi Kgatlana and Hildah Magaia. Kgatlana, who won the WAFCON Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot awards in 2018, remains a key figure in South Africa’s attack, while Magaia continues to be remembered for her decisive brace in the 2022 final that delivered the country’s first continental title.

Zambia’s attacking options will also be boosted by Racheal Kundananji, whose pace, strength and finishing ability have established her as one of Africa’s leading forwards. After impressive performances during qualification, she will be hoping to help Zambia achieve a historic run at the tournament.

Meanwhile, debutants Malawi will look to sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga to provide inspiration during their first appearance at the WAFCON finals. Tabitha heads into the competition after an impressive club season in France, while Temwa, who plays for Kansas City Current in the National Women’s Soccer League, has built a reputation as a dangerous forward with her speed, skill and goal-scoring ability.

With several of Africa’s finest talents set to feature, the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco promises to be one of the most competitive editions in the tournament’s history.