WAFCON: Three South African players make Best XI, Nigerians dominate — see full list

In a tournament that celebrated grit, grace, and the growing prestige of African women’s football, the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) delivered unforgettable moments—and heroes. From Nigeria’s tactical brilliance to Morocco’s tenacious flair, the competition was a showcase of individual brilliance and team spirit. As the dust settles, CAF has unveiled its prestigious Best XI of the tournament—a lineup that features powerhouses from Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Morocco. These elite women didn’t just play—they inspired a continent. Here’s a spotlight on the players who defined WAFCON 2024 and earned their place among Africa’s finest.

Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria, No. 6 – Left Wing / Forward)

Esther Okoronkwo was Nigeria’s creative spark. Across six games, she registered two goals and six assists, topping the assist chart for the Super Falcons. In the final, she scored from the penalty spot, set up the equaliser with an incisive pass, and delivered the free kick assist for the winner. She was twice named Woman of the Match, including in the title showdown.

Ibtissam Jraïdi (Morocco, No. 9 – Forward)

Morocco’s attacking talisman, Jraïdi electrified fans with her clinical finishing. She scored twice in the quarterfinals against Mali and featured prominently in Morocco’s run to the final. Her leadership and goal output earned her a spot in the Best XI alongside fellow captain Chebbak.

Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria, No. 15 – Right Wing / Attacking Midfield)

Captain Ajibade anchored Nigeria’s attacking thrust. Named Player of the Tournament, she led the Falcons with three Woman of the Match awards, one goal and two assists, and her relentless pressing and vision were instrumental in Nigeria’s comeback.

Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco, No. 7 – Midfielder / Captain)

The Moroccan captain doubled as her team’s top scorer. Chebbak notched five goals, including a hat-trick in the group stage, claiming the Golden Boot. Her tactical command and scoring ability anchored Morocco’s progression to the final on home soil.

Refiloe Jane (South Africa, No. 15 – Central Midfield)

Jane served as South Africa’s midfield engine. Named in the Best XI, her composure, passing range, and work rate helped orchestrate Banyana Banyana’s run to the semi-finals.

Grace Asantewaa (Ghana, No. 5 – Midfielder)

As the midfield fulcrum for Ghana, Asantewaa combined energy with leadership. Her inclusion in the Best XI highlights her influence in Ghana’s group stage and knockout campaign with Duodaa goal contributions and solid ball-winning ability.

Karabo Dhlamini (South Africa, No. 7 – Defender / Fullback)

A standout defensive presence, Dhlamini anchored South Africa’s backline. Her reliability, tackling, and positional discipline earned her inclusion among the tournament’s top defenders.

Portia Boakye (Ghana, No. 17 – Defender / Right Back)

The experienced Ghana captain completed the strongest defensive quartet in the Best XI. Boakye blended defensive resilience with occasional forward thrusts—essential in Ghana’s tight contests.

Bambanani Mbane (South Africa, No. 13 – Center Back)

Mbane’s defensive leadership and reading of play proved vital to South Africa’s resilient campaign. Her strength in aerial duels and calmness under pressure made her a backbone of the defence.

Michelle Alozie (Nigeria, No. 22 – Right Back)

Alozie anchored Nigeria’s right flank with consistency and versatility. She played five of six matches, combining defensive discipline with key forward runs. Her stoppage-time goal in the semi-final against South Africa sealed Nigeria’s place in the final, underlining her game-changing impact.

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, No. 16 – Goalkeeper)

Nnadozie was a fortress in goal. Conceding only two open-play goals across six matches (both in the final), she kept four clean sheets, pulling off crucial saves throughout the knockout stages. She was crowned Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

Below is CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 24: BEST XI OF THE TOURNAMENT

Players:

• Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria, Jersey No. 6)

• Ibtissam Jraidi (Morocco, Jersey No. 9)

  
  
  

• Rashidat Ajibade (Nigeria, Jersey No. 15)

• Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco, Jersey No. 7)

• Refiloe Jane (South Africa, Jersey No. 15)

• Grace Asantewaa (Ghana, Jersey No. 5)

• Karabo Dhlamini (South Africa, Jersey No. 7)

• Portia Boakye (Ghana, Jersey No. 17)

• Bambanani Mbane (South Africa, Jersey No. 13)

• Michelle Alozie (Nigeria, Jersey No. 22)

• Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Jersey No. 16 – Goalkeeper)