Seven stars to watch at Wafcon 2026 and why

What the report says

BBC Sport Africa has highlighted seven players to watch as the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations prepares to begin in Morocco on Sunday. Nigeria enter as defending champions, while Morocco are hosting for a third consecutive edition and seeking a first title after losing the past two finals at home. The tournament also carries World Cup significance: the four semi-finalists will qualify for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Among the experienced names are Nigeria forward Esther Okoronkwo, who helped drive last year’s comeback in the final as the Super Falcons secured a record-extending 10th title, and Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak, last year’s golden boot winner and Africa’s women’s player of the year. South Africa captain Refiloe Jane, recently a 150-cap international, is also listed as Banyana Banyana try to regain the trophy they won in 2022.

The BBC’s selection also points to players carrying major responsibility for emerging or returning teams. Malawi, one of the debutants, will look to Lyon forward Tabitha Chawinga, who is expected to lead the attack alongside her sister Temwa in a difficult group featuring Nigeria, Zambia and Egypt. Cape Verde, the other debutants, are captained by left-back Varsenia da Luz, part of a squad made up of part-time players.

Kenya goalkeeper Lilian Awuor is presented as central to her team’s hopes after key saves in qualifying helped Kenya return to Wafcon for the first time since 2016. Egypt midfielder Nadine Ghazi, who was in the squad as a teenager at Egypt’s last Wafcon appearance, is another player to watch as the team returns to the continental stage.