)
Can one of Nigeria's big names claim the 2024 WAFCON Golden Boot?
With the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations just days away, the race for the Golden Boot promises to be just as thrilling as the battle for the trophy.
From Nigeria’s proven legends to Zambia’s electric forwards and Morocco’s rising queens, these are the top contenders set to light up the nets in Morocco.
Asisat Oshoala - Nigeria
No player in the current WAFCON field boasts a more prolific record than Asisat Oshoala, whose 11 goals make her the highest active scorer in the tournament’s history.
Despite a dip in form since leaving Barcelona for Bay FC, the Super Falcons striker remains a lethal finisher. She was the top scorer in the 2016 edition and has helped Nigeria to three WAFCON titles.
With five more goals, she would leapfrog Genoveva Anonman into second place on the all-time WAFCON scoring chart, trailing only the legendary Perpetua Nkwocha. WAFCON may just be the spark she needs to return to her best.
Barbra Banda - Zambia
Barbra Banda comes into WAFCON 2024 as the reigning CAF Women’s Player of the Year and Zambia’s ultimate attacking weapon.
Known for her explosive pace, physicality, and an absolute rocket of a shot, Banda has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in world football.
She has already made history as the first African woman to score a hat-trick at the Olympic Games and is expected to carry the Copper Queens deep into the tournament. If Zambia are to stun the continent and reach the final, Banda will likely be the one doing the damage on the scoreboard.
Rasheedat Ajibade - Nigeria
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade is entering WAFCON 2024 in fine form and fierce spirit. A top scorer at the 2022 edition, Ajibade is now one of the leaders in the squad, and her brace against Cameroon in Nigeria’s recent friendly was a timely reminder of her finishing prowess.
With her contract at Atletico Madrid having expired, the stage is set for her to impress scouts from Europe’s elite.
Clinical, composed, and charismatic, Ajibade’s goals could inspire Nigeria to their 10th title, and win her the Golden Boot along the way.
Racheal Kundananji - Zambia
Another Zambian sensation, Racheal Kundananji is no stranger to pressure and high expectations. The lightning-quick forward was once the most expensive female footballer in the world, and she’s eager to prove her worth again on African soil.
A standout performer at Bay FC despite a difficult club season, Kundananji’s ability to split defences and finish with finesse makes her one of the favourites for the top scorer honour.
With Banda beside her, Zambia could possess the deadliest strike duo in the tournament.
Agueicha Diarra - Mali
Don’t sleep on Mali. And certainly don’t sleep on Agueicha Diarra. The PSG striker dominated the WAFCON qualifiers, finishing as top scorer with eight goals, including two hat-tricks.
Despite a quiet season in France, Diarra is a different beast in national colours and could light up Morocco if she regains her rhythm.
Her confidence in front of goal and instinctive positioning make her a nightmare for defenders. If Mali are to pull off an upset or two, Diarra’s boot will likely be behind it.
Jermaine Seoposenwe - South Africa
With Thembi Kgatlana out, South Africa’s golden girl is now Jermaine Seoposenwe. A key figure in the 2022 WAFCON-winning side, Seoposenwe has been in terrific form at Monterrey in Mexico, netting 27 goals over the last two seasons.
Her ability to lead the line, hold up play, and produce clinical finishes under pressure makes her the Banyana Banyana’s best hope in the final third.
She has the experience, form, and swagger to top the scoring charts if South Africa can go deep again.
Sanaâ Mssoudy - Morocco
Morocco’s best hope for a first-ever WAFCON title might rest on the shoulders of Sanaâ Mssoudy.
The AS FAR midfielder scored 16 goals en route to the CAF Women’s Champions League final and earned the 2024 CAF Inter-Club Women’s Player of the Year honour.
Now, she’s expected to replicate that form on the international stage. With home support behind her and a well-oiled Moroccan team around her, Mssoudy could become the face of a tournament triumph—and possibly the top scorer to go with it.
Jennifer Echegini - Nigeria
Jennifer Echegini is Nigeria’s newest weapon, and the signs suggest she’s ready to explode on the WAFCON stage.
After a standout season in Italy with Juventus, she earned a dream move to Paris Saint-Germain and is poised to lead the Super Falcons’ attack.
Echegini has shown flashes of brilliance in recent friendlies, and her mix of intelligence, movement, and finishing ability could make her a breakout star in Morocco. With service from the likes of Ajibade and Toni Payne, she’ll have no shortage of chances to fire her way to the Golden Boot.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)