Arabic version: سبع لاعبات يستحقن المتابعة في وافكون 2026

According to BBC News, the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations begins on Sunday in Morocco, where Nigeria will defend their title. Morocco are hosting for the third consecutive time and hope to win the competition for the first time after losing two finals on home soil. The tournament also offers a route to the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup, with the four semi-finalists qualifying for Brazil.

Nigeria forward Esther Okoronkwo helped inspire the Super Falcons to a record-extending 10th title last year, recording two goals and six assists. The AFC Toronto player scored a penalty as Nigeria recovered from 2-0 down against Morocco in the final, then assisted Folashade Ijamilusi’s equaliser and Jennifier Echegini’s late winner. Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga is another major attacking threat as her country make their Wafcon debut. The Lyon forward scored 11 goals as the French club reclaimed its league title last season.

Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak, 35, is seeking a first Wafcon trophy after scoring in last year’s final and finishing as the tournament’s golden-boot winner with five goals. The Al-Hilal forward was named African player of the year in November. Kenya goalkeeper Lilian Awuor could be pivotal for the Harambee Starlets, who have returned to the finals for the first time since 2016. She saved two penalties in qualifying against Tunisia and has helped Farul Constanta win back-to-back Romanian league titles.

Egypt midfielder Nadine Ghazi returns to the tournament 10 years after being included in her country’s 2016 squad. The Al Ahly player has worked to regain her best form after an anterior cruciate ligament injury. South Africa captain Refiloe Jane, who recently won her 150th cap, wants Banyana Banyana to reclaim the title they first won in 2022. Cape Verde captain Varsenia da Luz leads the other debutants, a squad made up entirely of part-time players. The left-back scored vital goals in qualifying as Cape Verde reached the finals.