By Ibukun Ebenezer
The 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is expected to glue the Nigerian football fans alongside fans from other parts of the continent to their seat for another time, Soccernet.ng reports.
The tournament, set to take place in Morocco, will showcase of Africa’s finest female footballers.
With powerhouses like Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia all gunning for continental glory, everyone will be eagerly scouting the stars who could define this year’s competition.
Beyond this, WAFCON has always been a platform where individual brilliance shines through. Some players have already begun to attract attention with their performances at club level and during the qualifiers. Meanwhile, they are expected to build on this in the upcoming fixtures.
Seven players who are poised to make headlines and possibly light up WAFCON in Morocco.
1. Rasheedat Ajibade
The Super Falcons captain is one of the best players on the continent, and she's tipped to lead the team to the 10th continental glory.
Barring any injury, the former Atlético Feminine star featured in her third WAFCON competition.
2. Barbra Banda
The reigning Caf female best player deservedly occupies the second spot following her exploits for Zambia during the qualifying campaign in which she scored four goals in two games.
Known for her speed, agility, and striking ability, her presence in the front will definitely bring fear to the opposition.
Meanwhile, the Orlando Pride forward won the BBC Women's Best Player award in 2024.
3. Fatima Tagnaout
Known for her dribbling, passing skills, and accurate left-footed shots, Fatima is another Moroccan star to watch.
The AS FAR midfielder will be expected to shoulder the playmaking responsibilities for the home team.
4. Racheal Kundananji
We can't talk of women's football in Africa without mentioning the Zambian Star, who plays for Bay FC in the NWSL.
Though her form for Bay FC hasn't been too impressive (1 goal and two assists in 11 games), she remains a significant part of the Copper Queens.
She will hope to form a deadly partnership with Chanda and lead Zambia to the crown.
5. Deborah Abiodun
Abiodun is one midfielder whose fearless tackles, combative play, and show of strength you don't want to miss.
Deborah isn't just another player but a talented youngster who has won the affection of many football followers in and outside Africa.
6. Hildah Magaia
In the absence of their talismanic striker, Kgatlana, all eyes will be on Magaia to deliver the goals.
The Kansas City's striker who is on loan at Tijuana, has 20 from 30 games for the Bayana Bayana.
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7. Merveille Kanjinga
Kanjinga will be carrying the hopes of the whole nation in Morocco as she is arguably their most exposed export.
The DR Congo's fearless striker contributed six goals in nine appearances for PSG Ladies in the just-concluded season.
The budding star is a player worth giving close attention to.
