This African quartet is fired up to make history for the continent at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand this summer. With an abundance of talent in each of these nations, it will come as no surprise if any of them progress to the latter stages of the competition.
Bolanews has ranked the top twelve African footballers who will grace the 2023 FIFA Women’s Cup finals, adding a sprinkle of excitement to the mix.
12. Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa)
Following an injury that kept her away from action for a year, Kgatlana marked her return with a goal against World Cup-bound Costa Rica. The 2018 CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year returns just in time for the nation’s opening Group G fixture against Sweden. It is the 27-year-old who is responsible for South Africa’s only goal in the history of the competition.
11. Ghizale Chebbak (Morocco)
Chebbak is no stranger to setting an international tournament ablaze. The forward propelled Morocco to their first-ever FIFA World Cup with a mesmerizing performance at the 2022 WAFCON. She was named the Best Player and Golden Boot winner at the last AFCON.
10. Margaret Belemu (Zambia)
Arguably the best African right back right now, Belemu is a tough nut to crack in the Copper Queens defense. Her consistent performances for the Zambian national team have made her a fan favorite in her home country. If Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji lack service from the middle of the park, Belemu’s pinpoint delivery from the right flank will be very key.
9. Hildah Magaia (South Africa)
It’s no secret that Magaia is a goal machine. No player has scored more goals for the Banyanya Banyanya since the beginning of the 2022 WAFCON than the 28-year-old (7). It was her brace in the final that crowned South Africa as the champions of the continent for the first time ever in Rabat.
8. Linda Motlhalo (South Africa)
One of Africa’s finest midfield gems, Motlhalo is the epitome of composure and creativity. The Scottish-based playmaker is also a master of set-pieces, as evidenced by the injury-time spot-kick that sent South Africa to the 2022 WAFCON final at Zambia’s expense.
7. Refiloe Jane (South Africa)
Hoisting both the Women’s AFCON and FIFA Women’s World Cup in the space of a year would be the stuff of dreams for Refiloe. For the WAFCON champions to produce that sort of performance, it would require nothing short of perfection from the Banyanya Banyanya skipper and co. Along with her technical ability, Refiloe will be hoping her leadership can also inspire her nation to knockouts.
6. Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
The Super Falcons will be counting on the shot-stopper to keep the likes of Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland at bay. At only 22, Nnadozie is already one of the best goalkeepers on the planet. She ended the 2022–23 league season with 10 clean sheets in 21 appearances for French outfit Paris FC. Her build-up play and distribution make her a key threat for Nigeria on the transition.
5. Grace Chanda (Zambia)
In the absence of Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji, it was Chanda who stepped up to guide the Copper Queens to their first-ever World Cup. The playmaker’s performances earned her a spot on the podium for the African Women’s Footballer of the Year award, which she narrowly lost to Oshoala. If Zambia gets their cards right, Chanda could be a crucial link between midfield and attack.
4. Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)
Ajibade was tasked with filling in the void left by Oshoala at the 2022 W AFCON, and she did not disappoint. The Atletico Madrid forward scored the joint-most goals in the 2022 Women’s AFCON as the Super Falcons finished fourth. Fresh from winning the women’s Spanish Cup with Atletico Madrid, the 23-year-old will be looking forward to collecting another medal in Australia/New Zealand.
3. Rachael Kundananji (Zambia)
The Spanish-based striker has been firing on all cylinders this season for club and country. Her tally of 25 league goals last season was only beaten by Alba Redondo’s 28 in the whole of Europe. For the Copper Queens, Kundananji has scored five times since the turn of the year. She has found the back of the net in three consecutive games against the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, and Germany. If she replicates this sort of form at the World Cup, the striker is well on course to dethrone Oshoala as the CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year.
2. Barbra Banda (Zambia)
After being controversially sidelined from the 2022 WAFCON, the Zambian skipper is ready to remind the world of her quality. Back in 2021, Barbra Banda became the first woman to score back-to-back hat tricks at the Olympics, among other records. The Copper Queen has scored five goals for Zambia this year, including a 101st-minute winner in a statement win against, Germany.
1. Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)
The name Asisat Oshoala resonates with quality and resilience. Last season, she helped propel FC Barcelona Femeni to the UEFA Women’s Championship League and Liga F titles. Her record of 26 goals in only 23 starts in those two competitions is beyond impressive. It’s no surprise why she is widely regarded as the best player from Africa. The Super Falcon will hope her side can replicate or better their historic run to the quarterfinals of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
