Days after Nigeria won the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially unveiled the standout players of the tournament.

Defending champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, have dominated the all-star selection with four players making the prestigious Best XI list.

In a 4-3-3 arrangement chosen by CAF’s Technical Study Group (TSG), the team features athletes who performed exemplarily at the tournament, which was jointly held by Ghana and Morocco. Nigeria’s title-winning campaign, capped by a thrilling 3-2 win over Morocco in the final, saw them supply the largest contingent to the team.

Super Falcons’ shot-stopper Chiamaka Ndozie was lauded for her composed presence in goal, earning the goalkeeper spot. She’s joined by teammates Michelle Alozie, a relentless force at full-back; Esther Okoronkwo, who proved influential in attack; and Rasheedat Ajibade, the tournament’s top scorer.

Morocco, which reached the final for the second consecutive edition, was represented by inspirational captain Ghizlane Chebbak and prolific forward Ibtissam Jraidi.

Despite missing out on the final, Ghana’s Portia Boakye and Grace Asantewaa stood out with their leadership and consistent displays. South Africa, semifinalists in this year’s competition, had three players earn recognition: Karabo Dlamini, Refiloe Jane, and Bambanani Mbane.

Nigeria’s head coach Justin Madugu was acknowledged as the Coach of the Tournament, credited for masterminding the Super Falcons’ 10th continental crown.

A selection of reserves also caught the eye, including Zambia’s dynamic duo Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye, Algeria’s Chloe Yamina N’Gazi, Morocco’s Hanane Ait El Haj and Saana Mssoudy, as well as Nigeria’s Osinachi Ohale and Jennifer Echegini. Ghana’s Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah rounded off the impressive list.

The 2024 edition featured 26 matches and recorded a total of 66 goals—an average of 2.54 goals per game—indicating a noticeable increase in offensive output compared to the 2022 tournament. The 4-3-3 system emerged as the most popular tactical approach among teams.

CAF’s WAFCON 2024 Best XI (4-3-3 Formation)

Goalkeeper: Chiamaka Ndozie (Nigeria)

Defenders: Michelle Alozie (Nigeria), Bambanani Mbane (South Africa), Portia Boakye (Ghana), Karabo Dlamini (South Africa)

Midfielders: Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco), Refiloe Jane (South Africa), Grace Asantewaa (Ghana)

Forwards: Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria), Ibtissam Jraidi (Morocco), Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)

Coach of the Tournament: Justin Madugu (Nigeria)

Substitutes:

1. Chloe Yamina N’Gazi (Algeria)
2. Osinachi Ohale (Nigeria)
3. Hanane Ait El Haj (Morocco)
4. Jennifer Echegini (Nigeria)
5. Saana Mssoudy (Morocco)
6. Barbra Banda (Zambia)
7. Racheal Kundananji (Zambia)
8. Nguenar Ndiaye (Senegal)
9. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (Ghana)