Moroccan Duo and Nigerian Quartet Dominate WAFCON Best XI
Morocco placed two players in the Best XI. Ghizlane Chebbak earned her spot after scoring five goals and claiming the Golden Boot, with a hat-trick against DR Congo during the group stage. Ibtissam Jraidi was also selected as a forward for her relentless movement and threat up front throughout the competition.
The stars who shined the brightest. ⭐
Meet your Best XI of the Tournament!#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/dXWZNAzHqU
— CAF Women's Football (@CAFwomen) July 28, 2025
Nigeria, champions after a 3–2 comeback in the final, had four players included. Chiamaka Nnadozie was the tournament's Best Goalkeeper and anchors the XI. Rasheedat Ajibade, named Player of the Tournament, features alongside Esther Okoronkwo, who scored the winner in the final. Michelle Alozie, a dynamic defender, completes the Nigerian representation.
Other players honoured include South Africa's Karabo Dhlamini, Bambanani Mbane, and Refiloe Jane, who excelled in defence and midfield for the fourth-placed side. Ghana's Grace Asantewaa and Portia Boakye also made the XI following their third-place finish via penalty shootout over South Africa.
The final in Rabat was memorable. Morocco led 2–0 at half-time through Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy, but Nigeria responded in the second half. A penalty in the 64th minute, followed by an equaliser in the 77th, set the stage for Jennifer Echegini's 88th-minute winner.
Morocco coach Jorge Vilda criticised a VAR decision that overturned a late penalty, telling ESPN: 'We can't understand the decision… She gave a penalty, but then the images we saw were not the same as those presented to the referee.'
Nigeria coach Justine Madugu, later named Best Coach, credited halftime adjustments for the comeback: 'If they didn't have mental resilience, they would have given up… We did a lot of talking at halftime.'
This is Nigeria's 10th WAFCON title as both nations reinforce their dominance in women's football in Africa. Tags: GhanaMorocconigeriaSouth AfricaWOmen's Africa Cup of Nations
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