WAFCON 2026: CAF Leaves Lackluster Super Falcons Out of Tournament’s Best XI

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled its Best XI for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with the Super Falcons of Nigeria conspicuously absent from the prestigious selection.

Nigeria entered the tournament as defending champions and one of the leading contenders for the continental title. However, their campaign ended earlier than expected after they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual champions Cameroon.

The quarter-final exit marked a disappointing outcome for the Super Falcons, who were targeting another continental triumph after winning the previous edition. The result also ended their run of reaching at least the semi-finals at every previous edition of the competition.

CAF’s Best XI was largely dominated by players whose teams enjoyed deep runs in the tournament. Cameroon, who went on to win the title, had several representatives after producing a historic campaign on home soil.

Among the Cameroonian players recognised were goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, defenders Myriam Nyadjou and Marie Ngah, as well as midfielder Monique Ngock. Their inclusion reflected the hosts’ strong defensive and midfield performances throughout the competition.

Malawi, who emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament and reached the final, also received significant recognition. Sisters Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga were included, with Temwa also finishing the competition as the leading goalscorer.

Tournament hosts Morocco had two players in the Best XI, while Algeria also secured two places following their impressive campaign. Zambia’s influential forward Barbra Banda completed the selected attacking contingent.

The omission of every Nigerian player has generated attention because of the Super Falcons’ long-standing dominance of women’s football in Africa. Nigeria remain the most successful team in WAFCON history, having won the competition a record 10 times.

The disappointment extends beyond the Best XI. Nigeria’s early elimination also affected their route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with their failure to reach the semi-finals costing them an opportunity to secure one of Africa’s automatic qualification places through the tournament.

For the Super Falcons, the CAF selection provides another reminder of the disappointing campaign in Morocco. The Nigerian side will now be expected to regroup, identify the weaknesses exposed during the competition and begin preparations for future assignments as they seek to restore their position at the summit of African women’s football.