Women across Africa are getting set to light up the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations With the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set to light up the continent, here are 10 elite players whose brilliance could decide the tournament’s fate. From legends to rising stars, these women are ready to make their mark on African football’s biggest stage. Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria) Rasheedat Ajibade enters the 2024 WAFCON as Nigeria’s talisman and spiritual leader. Already a champion from the 2018 tournament, Ajibade brings experience, creativity, and attacking flair that the Super Falcons desperately need. She was one of Atletico Madrid’s most dynamic attackers before parting ways with the club, and her leadership has blossomed since taking over as Nigeria’s captain. Quick on the ball, dangerous on the wings, and clinical in front of goal, Ajibade is not just a game-changer, she’s a game-winner. If Nigeria are to reclaim their continental crown, Ajibade’s boots will be central to that quest. Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco) Sanaa Mssoudy is Morocco’s present and future. The CAF Inter-Club Player of the Year was instrumental in AS FAR’s historic treble, including their CAF Women’s Champions League win. Mssoudy plays with poise and purpose, linking midfield and attack with her technique and vision. She also ranks among the continent’s most intelligent forwards, capable of dictating the tempo and unlocking packed defences. Playing on home soil, Mssoudy will carry massive expectations as Morocco dreams of going all the way in 2025. She has the talent to live up to the hype. Barbra Banda (Zambia) Barbra Banda isn’t just one of the most exciting players in Africa, she’s a global superstar in the making. The reigning CAF and BBC Women’s Player of the Year, Banda is known for her explosive speed, brute power, and goal-scoring instincts. Her hat-trick at the Olympic Games made history, and her WAFCON ambitions are just as high. For Zambia’s Copper Queens to shock the traditional giants, Banda’s boots will need to deliver. She is capable of dragging her team forward and is one of the most feared attackers at the 204 WAFCON. Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria) There are few goalkeepers in world football with the confidence, consistency, and composure of Chiamaka Nnadozie. At just 23, she’s already a veteran presence between the sticks for Nigeria. Known for her lightning reflexes and penalty-saving heroics, Nnadozie is often Nigeria’s last, and best line of defence. Her performances for Paris FC earned her a top-two finish in the 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year race, and she’s tipped to go one better at this tournament. If the Super Falcons go far, expect Nnadozie to be the reason they survive the toughest tests. Linda Motlhalo (South Africa) Linda Motlhalo is the engine behind Banyana Banyana’s midfield. Nicknamed “the Randfontein Maestro,” she played a pivotal role in South Africa’s 2022 WAFCON triumph and remains one of the smartest playmakers on the continent. With over 70 international caps at just 26, her composure, passing range, and tactical awareness give South Africa the control they need in midfield battles. As the 2024 tournament kicks off, Motlhalo will be tasked with driving the tempo and creating chances. If she’s in rhythm, South Africa becomes a serious threat to defend their crown. Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria) Despite a rocky season at Bay FC, six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala remains a force to be reckoned with. The former Barcelona striker is still Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer and will be eager to remind fans and critics why she’s been at the pinnacle of African football for over a decade. Her pace, strength, and goal sense make her a nightmare for defenders. With the spotlight often on her, Oshoala thrives on pressure, and a strong tournament could reignite her season and drive Nigeria to another final. Agueicha Diarra (Mali) The name Agueicha Diarra might not yet ring bells across the continent, but that could change very quickly. The PSG starlet was the top scorer in the 2024 WAFCON qualifiers, showcasing her elite finishing and tenacity. Still only in her early 20s, Diarra is poised for a breakout campaign as Mali look to make a deep run. Blessed with flair, speed, and composure, she can turn a game in an instant. If Mali is to emerge as this year’s dark horse, Diarra will undoubtedly be the one carrying them into the spotlight. Racheal Kundananji (Zambia) At one point, the most expensive female footballer in the world, Racheal Kundananji is a name that commands respect. She’s had a solid season at Bay FC and is a critical piece in Zambia’s attacking puzzle. With her intelligent movement, deadly finishing, and growing confidence, Kundananji can unlock any defence. Alongside Barbra Banda, she forms one of the most formidable strike partnerships in the tournament. Expect sparks to fly when the two are on the pitch together, especially as Zambia looks to punch above its weight once again. Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) Ghizlane Chebbak is a Moroccan icon. MVP and top scorer of the 2022 WAFCON, she’s both the heartbeat and face of the Atlas Lionesses. With over a century of caps, Chebbak leads by example and often provides the spark when Morocco needs it most. Her technical ability, set-piece prowess, and eye for goal make her a constant threat. This could be her final WAFCON appearance, and there’s no doubt she’ll want to make it unforgettable. Don’t be surprised if she lifts Morocco when the pressure is highest. Hilda Magaia (South Africa) With Thembi Kgatlana out for personal reasons, Hilda Magaia becomes South Africa’s primary goal-getter. The Club Tijuana forward finished as one of the top scorers in the last WAFCON and has a knack for scoring in high-pressure matches. She’s direct, dangerous, and blessed with excellent positional awareness. Magaia’s ability to find space and punish defences will be vital to South Africa’s hopes. She has developed a reputation as a clutch player, and with Kgatlana absent, she’ll need to step into the leadership void and deliver goals when they matter most.