L-R Okoronkwo, Ajibade, Asantewaa and Chebbak
The 2025 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) delivered drama, quality football, and breathtaking individual brilliance.
While Nigeria emerged as champions for a record-extending 10th time, several players rose to prominence, leaving a lasting impression on fans and scouts alike.
From standout attackers to midfield generals, here are five of the tournament’s brightest stars who distinguished themselves in Morocco.
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)
At just 25, Rasheedat Ajibade carried the weight of a nation on her shoulders and delivered.
As Nigeria’s captain, she was a driving force behind the Super Falcons’ record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Her direct impact included one goal and two assists in six games but her influence went far beyond numbers.
Ajibade provided both leadership and composure, especially during tense knockout clashes.
She set the tone with a vital opener in the semi-final against South Africa and was deservedly crowned the Best Player of the Tournament.
Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco)
Chebbak proved once again why she is the face of Moroccan women’s football.
The 2022 Golden Ball winner added the Golden Boot to her collection, scoring five goals including a stunning strike in the final to give Morocco the lead.
A constant menace in the attacking third, Chebbak’s form was instrumental in Morocco’s run to a second consecutive final.
Her movement, poise, and lethal finishing elevated her into the tournament’s elite performers once again.
Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria)
If Nigeria’s final comeback will be remembered for years, Okoronkwo will forever be at the heart of it.
The Super Falcons attacker had a direct hand in all three goals in the final, scoring the opener to spark the comeback and assisting the next two to seal the 3-2 win over Morocco.
Over the course of the tournament, she racked up two goals and six assists, making her the top playmaker of WAFCON 2025.
Her creativity, awareness, and ability to deliver under pressure made her one of the most decisive players of the competition.
Ibtissam Jraïdi (Morocco) – The Veteran Maestro
At 32, Ibtissam Jraïdi proved age is no barrier to impact.
The veteran forward was the final piece in the attacking puzzle of the Atlas Lionesses, pulling strings in the box with class and calm.
She opened her account in the group stage against Zambia and delivered a stunning brace in the 3-2 quarter-final win over Mali.
She finished the tournament with 3 goals and 2 assists, contributing to five of Morocco’s goals in six matches.
Her football IQ and leadership were invaluable to the host nation’s inspiring campaign.
Grace Asantewaa (Ghana)
Despite Ghana’s third-place finish, Grace Asantewaa was a standout performer in midfield.
The Black Queens’ playmaker showed remarkable vision, control, and work rate throughout the group stages.
She was central to everything Ghana created, linking defence and attack with ease and putting in tireless shifts in the middle of the park.
Her performances were a silver lining for Ghana and confirmed her place among Africa’s rising stars.
Honorable mentions
Others who left their mark include Zambia’s Barbra Banda with her trademark power and goalscoring instinct, and South Africa’s Noxolo Cesane, who impressed with her pace and tenacity.
From youthful exuberance to veteran leadership, WAFCON 2024 showcased Africa’s depth of talent.
As the women’s game continues to grow, these five stars proved they are ready to lead the next generation on the global stage.
FKA/AME
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