WAFCON 2026 favourites: Ranking the top four title contenders

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off in Morocco tomorrow, with Algeria set to lock horns against Senegal in Rabat, Afrik Foot reports.

For the first time, the expanded 16-team tournament will also serve as Africa’s main qualification route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will automatically qualify, while two losing quarter-finalists will progress to the intercontinental play-offs.

Although several nations have closed the gap in recent years, only three countries have ever won the competition – Nigeria, South Africa and Equatorial Guinea.

Here, Afrik Foot ranks the four teams most likely to lift the trophy in Morocco.

Top four WAFCON 2026 favourites

4. Zambia

Zambia arrive as one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking teams, even if their defensive problems persist.

The Copper Queens boast arguably the most feared strike partnership in Africa through Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji, while Grace Chanda provides creativity from midfield.

Banda, who has rediscovered her best form with Orlando Pride, heads into WAFCON as the leading scorer in the NWSL and insists Zambia’s primary objective is securing World Cup qualification before thinking about the title.

Unlike previous tournaments, the Copper Queens have also prepared against elite opposition, facing Brazil, Canada, Zimbabwe, Algeria and South Korea in friendlies.

However, questions persist at the back. Their 5-0 quarter-final defeat to Nigeria at the 2024 WAFCON exposed defensive weaknesses that remain unaddressed.

Still, if Banda and Kundananji hit top form simultaneously, Zambia possess enough firepower to eliminate any team in Africa.

3. South Africa

Banyana Banyana have become the benchmark for consistency since winning their maiden continental title in 2022.

Under Desiree Ellis, South Africa remain one of Africa’s most tactically organised sides, combining experience with technical quality.

The return of Thembi Kgatlana significantly strengthens an already impressive squad featuring Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo, Hildah Magaia and Andile Dlamini.

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Unlike many teams that rely heavily on individual brilliance, South Africa succeed through structure, pressing and positional discipline. If they manage their squad effectively, few teams will relish facing the reigning 2022 champions.

2. Morocco

Home advantage makes Morocco arguably Nigeria’s biggest obstacle. The Atlas Lionesses have reached the last two WAFCON finals without lifting the trophy, losing to South Africa in 2022 before suffering a heartbreaking defeat to Nigeria after surrendering a two-goal lead in the 2025 final.

Playing a third consecutive tournament on home soil provides familiarity, passionate support and ideal preparation conditions.

Captain Ghizlane Chebbak remains one of Africa’s finest attacking midfielders after finishing as the top scorer at the previous tournament, while Spanish coach Jorge Vilda has had additional time to implement his tactical philosophy.

Their biggest challenge will be handling expectation. Anything short of another final appearance would likely be viewed as a disappointment by home supporters.

1. Nigeria

Until other nations prove otherwise, Nigeria remain Africa’s team to beat. The Super Falcons are record 10-time African champions and arrive in Morocco looking to defend the title they dramatically won after coming from two goals down to beat hosts Morocco in the previous final.

Perhaps even more encouraging is continuity in the squad. 20 members of the 2024 WAFCON-winning squad have returned, giving Nigeria a clear advantage of established team chemistry.

Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Michelle Alozie and Esther Okoronkwo headline a team that blends experience with talent.

Unlike many rivals, Nigeria have proven winners across every area of the pitch. Whether defending deep, dominating possession or chasing games, the Super Falcons have demonstrated they can adapt under pressure.

Their remarkable comeback against Morocco in the last final reinforced what has defined Nigerian women’s football for decades: an unwavering belief that no game is ever lost.

With World Cup qualification also on the line, the pressure is enormous for Justine Madugu’s team, but if anything, history proves Nigeria thrive regardless of the situation.