By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Super Falcons stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Ashleigh Plumptre have been named in the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Best XI for the group stage, following standout performances in Morocco as Nigeria push for a record-extending 10th title.
Ajibade featured in all three of Nigeria’s group matches, dictating the tempo from midfield with her tireless work rate and creativity. Her efforts were rewarded with the CAF Woman of the Match award in the 2–0 win over Botswana. Plumptre, who played in two group games, anchored the defence with composure and leadership, earning the Fans’ Player of the Match award for her dominant display at the back.
In the CAF-selected 4-3-3 formation, Algeria’s Chloé N’Gazi was chosen in goal ahead of Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie. The backline features Plumptre alongside Zambia’s Lushomo Mweemba, and South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane and Fikile Magama. Ajibade is joined in midfield by Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and South Africa’s Refiloe Jane. The forward line consists of Zambia’s dynamic duo Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, and Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye.
Zambia dominated the XI with four players, while South Africa contributed three. Nigeria had two representatives, with one each from Algeria, Morocco, and Senegal.
The knockout stage begins today, with Nigeria facing Zambia, Morocco playing Mali, Algeria taking on Ghana, and title holders South Africa meeting Senegal in a high-stakes clash.
