The race for the Golden Boot at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) could be an intriguing storyline of the tournament, with Africa's finest forwards set to battle for individual glory alongside the trophy, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria's Super Falcons arrive in Morocco as defending champions, but they are far from the only side blessed with world-class attacking talent.
Hosts Morocco, South Africa, Zambia and Ghana all possess prolific goalscorers capable of lighting up the competition.
While tactical systems, group-stage fixtures and knockout progress will ultimately influence the final standings, several players already stand out as the leading candidates to finish as the tournament's Golden Boot winner.
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Ranking top four contenders for WAFCON 2026 Golden Boot award
1. Barbra Banda (Zambia)
There are few strikers in women's football as devastating as Barbra Banda.
The Orlando Pride captain combines blistering pace, remarkable physicality and clinical finishing, making her one of the most feared forwards in the tournament.
Although Zambia suffered a disappointing quarter-final exit against Nigeria at the previous WAFCON, Banda remains capable of scoring against any opposition.
If the Copper Queens make a deep run, she is arguably the favourite to finish as the tournament's leading scorer.
2. Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco)
The hosts will once again look to captain Ghizlane Chebbak, Al Hilal's veteran striker, for inspiration.
The 35-year-old finished as the top scorer at WAFCON 2025 with five goals and has consistently delivered on home soil, helping Morocco reach back-to-back finals.
With Morocco expected to dominate possession against several group-stage opponents and backed by passionate home support, Chebbak stands a chance to enjoy a productive tournament.
3. Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria)
Esther Okoronkwo has quietly developed into one of the Super Falcons' most dangerous attacking weapons.
The AFC Toronto forward was outstanding during Nigeria's successful 2025 WAFCON campaign, finishing with two goals and six assists, including a Player of the Match display in the final against Morocco.
Her movement, creativity and eye for goal make her one of the strongest Golden Boot contenders, and she will be key to the ambitions of Justine Madugu's side as they eye a World Cup spot, alongside an 11th WAFCON title.
4. Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa)
South Africa's experienced forward remains one of the continent's most reliable big-game performers.
Kgatlana has been a key figure for Banyana Banyana for years. Despite her height, she makes up for her lack of aerial strength with her pace, intelligent movement and composure inside the penalty area.
The 2022 champions may not be among the outright favourites this time, but if they progress beyond the quarter-finals, Kgatlana's experience could see her climb the scoring charts.
5. Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)
Despite entering the latter stages of her illustrious career, Asisat Oshoala remains one of Africa's deadliest finishers.
While she's struggled in the green and white colours of Nigeria over the past two years, her 18 goals in 19 games for Al Hilal are enough to spell danger for any opposition.
The six-time CAF Women's Player of the Year knows exactly what it takes to perform on the biggest stage and has scored consistently for both club and country over the past decade.
If head coach Justine Madugu uses her as Nigeria's focal point in attack, Oshoala's experience could help her compete in the Golden Boot race.
