Seven stars to watch at Wafcon 2026 and why

Nigeria's Esther Okoronkwo, South Africa's Refiloe Jane and Morocco's Ghizlane Chebbak are among the experienced players eyeing Wafcon glory [Caf/Getty Images] The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) kicks off on Sunday, with Nigeria defending their title. Morocco is hosting for the third time in a row, with the Atlas Lionesses aiming to lift the trophy for the first time after losing back-to-back finals on home soil. This year's tournament has added importance because qualification for the 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup is on the line, with the four semi-finalists securing a ticket to Brazil. BBC Sport Africa picks out seven players to watch. Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria) The AFC Toronto forward was the inspiration behind her country's run to a record-extending 10th title last year with two goals and six assists. Seizing her moment as a starter from the quarter-finals onwards, Okoronkwo combined creativity with some unerring finishing. With the Super Falcons trailing 2-0 against the hosts in the final, it was the 29-year-old's composed penalty which sparked the comeback. Okoronkwo then set up Folashade Ijamilusi's equaliser and Jennifier Echegini's late winner to complete a remarkable turnaround. Despite her impact, Okoronkwo was surprisingly overlooked at the Confederation of African Football awards last year, meaning she may have extra motivation to show what she can do on the big stage. Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi) Tabitha Chawinga scored 11 goals as OL Lyonnes reclaimed their domestic league title but the French side were beaten in the final of the Women's Champions League [Getty Images] Malawi are one of two Wafcon debutants and the OL Lyonnes forward is the main goal threat for the lowest-ranked nation at the finals, having helped fire her club side to a fifth consecutive league title in France last season. In 2023, while at Paris St-Germain, she became the first Malawian woman to play and score in the Uefa Champions League. The 30-year-old is expected to line up in attack alongside younger sister Temwa as the scorchers face a tough group containing Nigeria, Zambia and Egypt. "I was waiting to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations [for] a long time," she said. "I've been playing big games in Europe, but I like to tell the girls 'don't be shy, don't be scared'. "We can't wait to start and see what we can do." Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) Last November Ghizlane Chebbak became the first Moroccan to be named Africa's best female footballer [Getty Images] Is this the final chance for the Atlas Lionesses captain to lift the trophy? The 35-year-old opened the scoring against Nigeria in last year's final but Morocco were ultimately forced to settle for silver medals again. Chebbak did pick up the golden boot, netting five times, having been joint top scorer in 2022 when South Africa thwarted Morocco in the final. And the Al-Hilal forward, who was named African player of the year in November, is also bidding for another unique piece of history. Her father Larbi helped Morocco to the men's Africa Cup of Nations title in 1976, and Chebbak will hope it is third time lucky for her as she targets a unique double. Lilian Awuor (Kenya) Lilian Awuor pulled off crucial saves in qualifying to help Kenya back to Wafcon for the first time in 10 years [FKF] The form of the Harambee Starlets goalkeeper will be crucial if the East Africans are to surprise people and make the knockout stage. Awuor played a vital role in helping Kenya back to the finals for the first time since 2016, saving two penalties in the second leg of their first-round qualifying tie away against Tunisia last February. The 27-year-old has gained experience since her move to Romanian side Farul Constanta two years ago, helping them secure back-to-back league titles. Kenya, the second lowest-ranked side at the finals at 128th in the world, take on Morocco, Algeria and Senegal in a tricky Group A. Nadine Ghazi (Egypt) Nadine Ghazi (right) plays her club football for Cairo giants Al Ahly [Backpage Pix] Ghazi was just 14 the last time Egypt appeared at Wafcon – but was still included in the Cleopatras squad for that tournament in 2016, even if she did not make it onto the pitch. With a decade of extra experience under her belt, the Al Ahly midfielder, who has battled hard to return to her best after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament three years ago, is taking inspiration from Egypt's men and their run to the last 16 at the 2026 Fifa World Cup. "This is the best motivation we could ever get for our women's team," Ghazi said. "They've filled our hearts with so much joy. "We have a big responsibility to inspire and keep moving the legacy of Egyptian women's football, especially on the African stage." Refiloe Jane (South Africa) Firmly established as one of South Africa's senior leaders, Banyana Banyana's skipper will be looking to help her team reclaim the title they won for the first time in 2022. "When you look at the number of teams in this year's edition, I think this will be one of the most challenging tournaments we've ever had in the history of Wafcon," said the 33-year-old midfielder, who recently joined an elite group by winning her 150th cap. At a minimum, South Africa will be looking to reach the last four again, which would guarantee Desiree Ellis' team a place at a third successive World Cup, having reached the last 16 at the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand. "[The coaching staff] have experienced the team winning the Wafcon and not doing so well. We've got the recipe that you need in order to succeed," Jane added. South Africa have been drawn alongside Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in Group B. Varsenia da Luz (Cape Verde) Varsenia da Luz (back row, far right) will captain Cape Verde against Ghana, Cameroon and Mali in Group D [FCF] The other debutants at this year's finals are Cape Verde, whose women only played their first international in 2018. Da Luz has been part of the squad since its early days and assumed the captaincy in 2020. The left-back, who has a degree in systems and computer engineering, leads a side which is entirely part-time. A serial title-winner with Praia-based Seven Stars, Da Luz popped up with two vital goals in qualifying. She netted in both legs in the first round, a 6-3 aggregate win over Guinea, before the islanders secured their spot on the road in Bamako where they upset Mali, who they will face again after the Eagles also progressed to the finals based on their world ranking.