Exciting Stars to Follow in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) is set to kick off on July 26 in Morocco, showcasing an impressive lineup of talent from across the continent. Among the standout players to watch are Esther Okoronkwo from Nigeria, Ghizlane Chebbak, the captain of the Moroccan national team, and Refiloe Jane from South Africa. This tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of women's football, highlighting both established stars and emerging talents.
Esther Okoronkwo, a 29-year-old forward from Nigeria, has made a remarkable comeback after suffering a severe knee injury in 2022. Known for her agility and clinical finishing, Okoronkwo played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s last AWCON final, where she scored a crucial penalty to spark a comeback victory against Morocco, securing her team’s tenth continental title. With a career spanning clubs in France, Spain, and Canada, she is expected to be one of Nigeria's key offensive weapons in their quest for glory.
Another player to keep an eye on is Tabitha Chawinga, a 30-year-old forward from Malawi. Chawinga has been instrumental in her team’s success, especially during her time with Olympique Lyonnais, where she helped secure the French championship. As the first Malawian to score in the UEFA Champions League, she brings a wealth of experience and is poised to lead Malawi in their inaugural AWCON appearance, competing in a historic tournament expanded from 12 to 16 teams.
Ghizlane Chebbak, at 35, serves as the heart of the Moroccan national team as its captain. Recently named the African Player of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), she has previously guided her team to two AWCON finals. With aspirations of clinching a title before her potential retirement, Chebbak's experience and leadership will be crucial for Morocco as they aim to become African champions.
Nadine Ghazi, a 24-year-old forward for Egypt, has been making waves since joining the national team at just 14 years old. With a record as the youngest top scorer in the Egyptian league, Ghazi aims to lead her team to their first AWCON title, bringing with her over a decade of experience on the international stage.
Lastly, Refiloe Jane, a 33-year-old midfielder and captain of the South African team, has reached an impressive milestone with over 150 national appearances. After leading her team to victory in the last AWCON held in South Africa, Jane is determined to reclaim the title for her nation, especially after a narrow loss to Nigeria in the previous tournament. Her leadership and skill will be vital as South Africa seeks to build on their recent successes.
As the tournament unfolds, these players are expected to shine on the international stage, showcasing the growing talent and popularity of women’s football across Africa. The 2026 AWCON is not just a competition; it is a celebration of the dedication, resilience, and passion of female athletes throughout the continent. As reported by information.tv5monde.com.
