African women’s football has stars who score big goals, win trophies, and make young girls dream bigger.
But who belongs on a list of the best female soccer players in Africa? Let’s meet them together.
1) Asisat Oshoala
Born: 9 October 1994, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria
Position: Striker
Clubs: Robo Queens, Rivers Angels, Liverpool, Arsenal, Dalian Quanjian, Barcelona, Bay FC
Asisat Oshoala is the name you’d think of first as a fan when you talk about the best female soccer players in Africa. Today, Asisat Oshoala plays for Saudi Arabia’s women’s side, Al Hilal.
At club level, Asisat won two UEFA Women’s Champions League titles and several Spanish league titles with Barcelona. She earned the Pichichi award for being Spain’s top scorer.
On her own, she has been CAF Women’s Player of the Year several times. She was the best player at WAFCON 2014 and the top scorer at WAFCON 2016.
With Nigeria, she lifted the WAFCON trophy four times (2014, 2016, 2018 and 2024) and played at the World Cup in 2015, 2019 and 2023.
2) Michelle Alozie
Born: 28 April 1997, La Jolla, California, United States
Position: Defender, mostly right back
Clubs: BIIK Kazygurt, Houston Dash
Michelle Alozie grew up in the United States but chose to play for Nigeria. Right now, you can find her at Chicago Stars, where her deal runs to 2028.
Alozie made her Nigeria debut in 2021 and won WAFCON in 2024, when she was also named in the team of the tournament. She played at the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics too.
At WAFCON 2026, Nigeria lost 1- 0 to Cameroon in the quarter-finals, then lost the playoff to South Africa. That ends Michelle Alozie’s Brazil 2027 hopes.
3) Rasheedat Ajibade
Born: 8 December 1999, Lagos, Nigeria
Position: Forward
Clubs: Robo Queens, Avaldsnes, Atlético Madrid
Rasheedat Ajibade is a key name among Africa’s best female soccer players, and you can see why.
Since August 2025, Ajibade has been playing for Paris Saint-Germain. She was the best player at WAFCON 2024, and she won WAFCON with Nigeria in 2018 and 2024.
Rasheedat also played at the 2023 World Cup and captained Nigeria at WAFCON 2026. Sadly, Nigeria did not qualify for Brazil 2027, so you will have to picture her at that World Cup.
4) Chiamaka Nnadozie
Born: 8 December 2000, Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria
Position: Goalkeeper
Clubs: Rivers Angels, Paris FC
Chiamaka Nnadozie is one of the best shot-stoppers in Africa and the world, and she is the only goalkeeper on our list of Africa’s best female soccer players from Nigeria.
Since July 2025, Nnadozie has been playing for a WSL side, Brighton & Hove Albion in England. She won CAF Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and she was the best goalkeeper at WAFCON 2024, which Nigeria won.
At the 2019 World Cup, Chiamaka became the youngest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet, which means she let in no goals. She also played in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
5) Esther Okoronkwo
Born: 27 March 1997, Abia State, Nigeria
Position: Forward
Clubs: Saint-Étienne, Tenerife, Changchun Dazhong
Esther Okoronkwo built her game in the United States before joining clubs in France, Spain and China. Today, Okoronkwo plays at AFC Toronto in Canada. She scored a penalty in the 2024 WAFCON final, which Nigeria won, and she was named in the team of the tournament.
Esther was in the 2023 World Cup squad and came off the bench at WAFCON 2026.
6) Jennifer Echegini
Born: 22 March 2001, Nijmegen, Netherlands (she grew up in England)
Position: Midfielder
Clubs: Mississippi State and Florida State (college teams), Juventus
Jennifer Echegini came off the bench in the 2024 WAFCON final and scored the winning goal in the 88th minute. Can you imagine that moment? That goal made Nigeria champions and earned her a place in the team of the tournament.
Before conquering Europe, she dominated American college soccer. She won the Hermann Trophy. This is the highest honor in college soccer. Since July 2024, Echegini has been playing at Paris Saint-Germain.
Jennifer was also in the 2023 World Cup squad. Nigeria lost to Cameroon at WAFCON 2026 and then lost the playoff, so you will not see her at Brazil 2027.
7) Barbra Banda
Born: 20 March 2000, Lusaka, Zambia
Position: Striker
Clubs: Green Buffaloes, Logroño, Shanghai Shengli
Barbra Banda is among the best strikers in the world, with how fast, strong, and deadly she is when she is in front of goal, so any list of the best female soccer players in Africa needs her.
When Ballon d’Or nominations came out, two African names appeared. Barbra Banda was one. Her inclusion surprised no one who follows women’s soccer.
Banda plays for Orlando Pride in the United States, where she won the NWSL Shield and the championship in 2024. She captains Zambia and led them to the 2023 World Cup, where she scored against Costa Rica as Zambia won its first-ever World Cup match.
Barbra was the top scorer at WAFCON 2022, where Zambia finished third, and she scored a hat-trick at the 2024 Olympics.
Zambia did not reach the semi-finals at WAFCON 2026, so Brazil 2027 is out of reach for her.
8) Racheal Kundananji
Born: 3 June 2000, Zambia
Position: Forward
Clubs: Indeni Roses, BIIK Kazygurt, Madrid CFF
Racheal Kundananji is known for her speed and her runs behind defenders. You can watch her at Bay FC in the United States, which paid a record fee to sign her in 2024.
In Spain, when playing for Madrid CFF, she was the top scorer in the top league in the 2023 to 2024 season. With Zambia, she took third place at WAFCON 2022, then played at the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.
9) Tabitha Chawinga
Born: 22 May 1996, Rumphi, Malawi
Position: Forward
Clubs: DD Sunshine, Krokom/Dvärsätt, Kvarnsvedens, Jiangsu, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain
Tabitha Chawinga scores goals in every country she visits, which is why she sits high among Africa’s best female soccer players.
Today you can find her in one of the women’s top leagues, at Lyon women in France.
She has won league titles and goal-scoring honors in China, Italy, and France. She led Malawi at WAFCON 2026, and the team reached its first-ever final in its first-ever WAFCON.
Malawi lost 3- 0 to Cameroon and finished runner-up, but reaching the semi-finals sent them to Brazil 2027.
She has never played at a World Cup, so you could see her first one very soon.
10) Temwa Chawinga
Born: 20 September 1998, Lilongwe, Malawi
Position: Forward
Clubs: Clubs in Malawi, Sweden and China
Temwa is Tabitha’s younger sister, and she is a star in her own right.
Chawinga plays for the NWSL side Kansas City Current in the United States since 2024. She won the Golden Boot, the top scorer award, in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the top league in the United States.
At WAFCON 2026, Temwa helped Malawi reach the final in its first appearance, and the team finished runner-up.
She has not played at a World Cup yet. But fortunately, Malawi qualified for Brazil 2027, so Temwa is one to watch.
Do you think the sisters can score together on the biggest stage?
11) Thembi Kgatlana
Born: 2 May 1996, Mohlakeng, South Africa
Position: Forward
Clubs: Houston Dash, Beijing BG Phoenix, Atlético Madrid, Benfica
Thembi Kgatlana is a proud name among the best female soccer players in Africa from the south of the continent. You can follow her at Tigres UANL in Mexico.
Kgatlana was CAF Women’s Player of the Year in 2018 and helped South Africa win its first WAFCON in 2022. She played at the 2019 World Cup, where she scored South Africa’s first-ever Women’s World Cup goal, and she played again in 2023.
At WAFCON 2026, she scored against Nigeria in the playoff, which sent South Africa into the next round of playoffs.
Her goal keeps South Africa’s Brazil 2027 hopes alive, though the team still has matches to win.
12) Hildah Magaia
Born: 16 December 1994, South Africa
Position: Forward
Clubs: TUT Matsatsantsa, Sejong Sportstoto, Tigres UANL, and a spell in Spain
Hildah Magaia became a hero at WAFCON 2022 when she scored both goals in South Africa’s 2- 1 final win over Morocco.
She left her Spanish club, Deportivo de La Coruña, in June 2026 and joined Al-Ittihad Ladies Club in the Saudi Women’s Premier League.
Magaia played at the 2023 World Cup. At WAFCON 2026, she helped set up Kgatlana’s goal against Nigeria.
13) Linda Motlhalo
Born: 1 July 1998, Brandvlei, South Africa
Position: Midfielder (she links defence and attack)
Clubs: Houston Dash, Beijing BG Phoenix, Djurgårdens, Rangers
You’ll love Linda Motlhalo for her passing and hard work. Right now, you can watch her at Glasgow City in Scotland.
Motlhalo won WAFCON in 2022 and played at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.
14) Ghizlane Chebbak
Born: 22 February 1990, Casablanca, Morocco
Position: Midfielder
Clubs: AS FAR (most of her career)
Ghizlane Chebbak is a leader you should know when you talk about Africa’s best female soccer players. She has won titles with AS FAR and CAF Women’s Champions League titles. Now, Chebbak plays for the Saudi Women’s League club Al Hilal SFC, joining them back in 2025.
Chebbak was CAF Women’s Player of the Year in 2024. She captained Morocco to the 2022 WAFCON final and to the 2023 World Cup, their first, and Morocco finished runner-up at WAFCON in 2022 and 2024.
Morocco is among 18 teams already qualified for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Let’s hope she’ll be in the squad.
15) Fatima Tagnaout
Born: 20 January 1999, Casablanca, Morocco
Position: Winger (a fast player who attacks down the sides)
Clubs: AS FAR, Sevilla
Fatima Tagnaout has spent her career at AS FAR, where you can still watch her today. She won Moroccan league titles and the CAF Women’s Champions League there.
With Morocco, Tagnaout played in the 2022 WAFCON final and at the 2023 World Cup, and Morocco finished runner-up at WAFCON in 2022 and 2024.
16) Flora Marta Lacho
Born: 16 March 1999, Luanda, Angola
Position: Winger (a fast player who attacks down the sides)
Clubs: TP Mazembe, Kansas City Current
Flora Marta Lacho has taken her talent from African football to the international stage. In 2024, she helped TP Mazembe win the CAF Women’s Champions League, scoring two goals and providing two assists during the tournament. She also earned a place in the competition’s Best XI.
In March 2025, the Angolan forward joined Kansas City Current, becoming the first Angolan international to sign for a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club. She later moved on loan to Denmark’s HB Køge Women in August 2025, where she continued her career in European football.
Lacho also represented Angola during the qualifying campaign for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). She started the first leg against Malawi in October 2025, but Angola lost the two-legged tie and missed out on the tournament.
As of October 2026, Lacho remains on loan at HB Køge Women, with her loan extended through the end of the year
17) Khadija Er-Rmichi
Born: 16 September 1989, Khouribga, Morocco
Position: Goalkeeper
Clubs: AS FAR
Khadija Er-Rmichi brings calm and experience between the posts, and you can see her at AS FAR today.
She won Moroccan league titles and the CAF Women’s Champions League there. She helped Morocco reach the 2022 WAFCON final and the 2024 final.
Er-Rmichi played at the 2023 World Cup. She was also part of the 2026 qualifying team. With Morocco heading to Brazil 2027, her experience could be gold.
18) Ndeye Awa Diakhate
Born: 2 January 1997, Richard Toll, Senegal
Position: Forward, attacking midfielder
Clubs: Dakar Sacré-Cœur,Le Puy
History was made when Ndeye Awa Diakhate scored Senegal’s first-ever goal at a final-stage WAFCON tournament.
The Marseille forward didn’t stop there. She became one of WAFCON 2025’s top scorers. She proved her historic goal was just the beginning of something special.
Senegal’s emergence as a force in women’s soccer owes much to pioneers like Diakhate. She blazed trails for others to follow.
Ndeye Awa now plays for French women’s football club Marseille, joining them in 2022.
19) Aisha Masaka
Born: 10 November 2003, Singida Region, Tanzania
Position: Forward, winger
Clubs: Young Africans, BK Häcken
Aisha Masaka is young, quick, and full of energy. She joined English side Brighton & Hove Albion in 2024. She is early in her career, so her biggest achievements are still ahead of her.
She played at WAFCON 2026 with Tanzania, but the team did not reach the semi-finals or the playoffs.
20) Doha El Madani
Born: 20 October 2005, Morocco
Position: Forward
Clubs: AS FAR
Doha El Madani is a young Moroccan forward who is gaining experience in home leagues and African club games. She plays for AS FAR. She is early in her career, so her biggest achievements are still ahead.
She was part of Morocco’s 2026 WAFCON run, and Morocco qualified for Brazil 2027 by reaching the semi-finals. If she makes the squad, you could watch her first Women’s World Cup.
21) Marie Ngah Manga
Born: 20 October 2002, Cameroon
Position: Forward
Clubs: Lekié, Hakkarigücü, Galatasaray
Marie Ngah Manga plays for Fenerbahçe.
She was the hero of the WAFCON 2026 final. She scored twice, in the 20th minute and again just before half-time. Marie was named Player of the Match as Cameroon beat Malawi 3 to 0 and won the title.
Cameroon qualified for Brazil 2027, so you may get to see her skills on a bigger stage.
22) Monique Ngock
Born: 17 September 2004, Mfou, Cameroon
Position: Midfielder
Clubs: Reims, Fleury
Monique Ngock signed for NWSL side Washington Spirit in the United States.
Ngock was with the Cameroon team that won its first-ever WAFCON in 2026. That title is her biggest honor so far.
Cameroon also qualified for Brazil 2027, so if she makes the squad, you will see her as part of a proud group.
23) Michaely Bihina
Born: 28 December 2003, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Position: Goalkeeper
Clubs: Racing Power
Michaely Bihina is now playing for Benfica, joining them on 1 February 2026 and signing until 2029. She was part of the Cameroon group that won WAFCON 2026 by beating Malawi 3- 0.
That title is her biggest honor so far. Her team booked a place at Brazil 2027, so keep an eye out for her name when the squad is announced.
24) Myriam Nyadjou
Born: 14 October 2006, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Position: Defender
Clubs: Amazone FAP
Myriam Maëva Nyadjou Wamen plays for the NWLS side, Kansas City Current, and stole the show at WAFCON 2026. She scored a brilliant free kick in the quarter-final that beat Nigeria 1 to 0, and then she set up Naomi Ndjoah Eto’s goal in the final.
She won the WAFCON title with Cameroon in 2026. Cameroon is going to Brazil in 2027, and we might see the 20-year-old in the squad.
25) Naomi Ndjoah Eto
Born: 29 September 2004, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Position: Forward
Clubs: Amazone FAP, Guingamp, Paris Saint-Germain, Sassuolo (loan)
Naomi Ndjoah Eto plays for Denver Summit in the NWSL.
She scored in the 29th minute of the WAFCON 2026 final and helped Cameroon win its first title.
26) Inès Belloumou
Born: 21 June 2001, Martigues, France
Position: Left-back, defender
Clubs: Marseille, Montpellier, Bayern Munich, Lazio (loan)
Inès Belloumou was born in France but plays for Algeria. She currently plays for Malmö FF on loan.
She brings strong defending and experience from European football.
Algeria reached the semi-finals at WAFCON 2026, and that earned it its first-ever World Cup place at Brazil 2027.
How cool is it to picture Belloumouin in her first-ever World Cup?
27) Nouhaila Benzina
Born: 11 May 1998, Morocco
Position: Defender
Clubs: AS FAR
Few of Africa’s best female soccer players have changed the conversation like Nouhaila Benzina. Benzina has been playing for AS FAR since 2016.
She made world news at the 2023 World Cup as the first player to wear a hijab (a head covering) in a senior Women’s World Cup match.
She helped Morocco reach the WAFCON final in 2022 and 2024, finishing runner-up both times. Morocco is going to Brazil 2027, so you can expect to watch her again.
28) Hanane Ait El Haj
Born: 2 November 1994, Morocco
Position: Defender
Clubs: AS FAR, Valencia CF
Hanane Ait El Haj has played most of her years for AS FAR, but now she is playing for Deportivo Alavés.
She helped Morocco reach the WAFCON final in 2022 and 2024 and played at the 2023 World Cup.
At WAFCON 2026, she scored against South Africa in the quarter-final, and Morocco won 2-1. That win sent them to Brazil 2027.
29) Refiloe Jane
Born: 4 August 1992, Soweto, South Africa
Position: Midfielder
Clubs: Canberra United, Mamelodi Sundowns, AC Milan, Sassuolo
Refiloe Jane currently plays for TS Galaxy Queens since 2025. She captains Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s national team.
Jane won WAFCON in 2022 and played at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.
30) Ibtissam Jraidi
Born: 9 December 1992, Morocco
Position: Forward
Clubs: AS FAR, Al Ahli
Ibtissam Jraidi now plays for Al Hilal in the Saudi Women’s League. She has around eight titles with AS FAR. She helped Morocco reach the WAFCON final in 2022 and 2024 and played at the 2023 World Cup, where Morocco made history by reaching the knockout stage.
Morocco is going to Brazil in 2027, and her experience could help again.
Final Whistle
So, which of these female soccer players in Africa is your favorite? These female soccer players show how much talent Africa has. Some are famous veterans, and some are young players just starting out.
Their stories prove that Africa’s best female soccer players can play in every corner of the world, from the Saudi Women’s League to the WSL to the NWSL. come from every corner of the continent.
Keep watching, because the next chapter of Africa’s best female soccer players is about to be written.
