The 2025 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on the 5th of July, with Morocco hosting the event for a second consecutive time. With the continent’s top teams in action, the stage is set for thrilling matches and exceptional performances.
From Veteran Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala to Zambia’s prolific striker Barbra Banda, this list explores the top five players to watch out for at the tournament.
Barbra Banda (Zambia)
The Orlando Pride forward announced herself to the footballing world at the 2020 Women Olympic Games when she became the first woman footballer in history to score two consecutive hat-tricks at the event, against the Netherlands and China.
The 25-year-old is Africa’s top scorer at the Olympic Games, after netting another treble at the 2024 event to make it three hat-tricks in two major tournaments, and was deservedly named as African Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2024. Banda missed the last WAFCON due to concerns over her testosterone levels, but is set to make her debut at the showpiece event as one of Africa’s greatest football talents.
Chaimaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
The Super Falcons shot-stopper, who recently signed with English club Brighton and Hove Albion, made a name for herself during her time with Paris FC in the French Women’s League. She is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and was named the league’s best goalkeeper in 2024.
Nnadozie displayed her qualities as she pulled off a player of the match performance in Nigeria’s goalless draw against Portugal in a pre-tournament friendly match and will play a key role if the Super Falcons are to be victorious in Morocco.
Racheal Kundananji (Zambia)
The second Zambian footballer to appear on this list, Kundananji, plies her trade with Bay FC in the NWSL. The forward is a prolific goalscorer and will lead the line for the Copper Queens in Morocco in her first WAFCON appearance since 2018 after missing out on the 2022 edition, alongside Barbra Banda.
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)
Super Falcons forward Oshoala is arguably the greatest ever female footballer from the continent and has won a record six African Women’s footballer of the year award along with three WAFCON titles. She was crowned the best player in the 2014 edition and also claimed the golden boot award in the 2016 edition.
Now past her prime, Oshoala still offers a threat going forward and her combination with Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade is one to watch out for at the tournament.
Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco)
The Morocco captain is tasked with leading her country to success after losing out in the final of the 2022 edition to South Africa.
The 34-year-old was crowned the best player in that edition after her impressive displays and will be hoping to replicate the same showings, this time leading the Atlas Lioness to continental victory.
