Top 10 Best Women Soccer Players In Africa - Shaping the Future of the Beautiful Game
by B Kishwar
Updated Dec 19, 2023
Top 10 Best Women Soccer Players in Africa
1
Asisat Oshoala
Nigeria
2
Tabitha Chawinga
Malawi
3
Ghizlane Chebbak
Morocco
4
Ajara Njoya Nchout
Cameroon
5
Rasheedat Ajibade
Nigeria
6
Thembi Kgatlana
South Africa
7
Barbra Banda
Zambia
8
Racheal Kundananji
Zambia
9
Chiamaka Nnadozie
Nigeria
10
Linda Motlhalo
South Africa
S.No.
Best Women Soccer Players In Africa
Country
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Best Women Soccer Players In Africa
Women's soccer in Africa has witnessed a remarkable evolution since its inception in 1991, marked by continuous growth and the emergence of world-class talents across the continent. Departing from an era dominated solely by Nigeria in the African Women's Cup of Nations, other nations, including South Africa, Zambia, and Morocco, have risen to challenge the West African giants. This transformation is evident in the diverse pool of exceptional players who have showcased their skills on both domestic and international stages. In this context, the Top Soccer Blog presents a comprehensive overview of the top 10 Best Women's Soccer Players in Africa for the year 2023, highlighting their achievements, contributions, and impact on the global stage as the region gears up for the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
1. Asisat Oshoala - Nigeria
Asisat Oshoala stands as a beacon of excellence in African women's soccer, hailing from Nigeria. With an illustrious career marked by numerous accolades, Oshoala has rightfully earned her place as one of the continent's greatest football talents. As the current holder of the African Women's Player of the Year award, Oshoala has notched up an impressive five-time victory in this category. Beyond individual recognition, she has contributed significantly to team successes, securing two Women's UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona, three La Liga Femina triumphs, and additional titles in England and China.
Renowned for her versatility, Oshoala's prowess as a striker is unparalleled, showcased by her remarkable goal-scoring abilities, with five goals in nine UCL games and 21 goals in 29 La Liga fixtures during Barcelona's victorious 2022-2023 season. At 28 years old, she continues to exemplify speed, agility, and technical finesse on the field, leaving an indelible mark as one of the best strikers in women's football.
2. Tabitha Chawinga - Malawi
Tabitha Chawinga, a football sensation from Malawi, has carved her niche as a formidable force in the realm of women's soccer. Demonstrating exceptional skills and goal-scoring prowess, Chawinga has emerged as a prominent figure, particularly during her standout performance in the 2022/2023 Serie A Femminile season with Inter Milan. With an impressive record of 23 goals and seven assists in 23 matches, she claimed the spotlight and made a compelling case for the CAF Women's Player of the Year award.
Prior to her success in Italy, Chawinga showcased her talents in the Chinese Women's Super League, where she clinched the top scorer title in 2018, 2019, and 2021, along with being named the Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019. Described as a fast and skillful center-forward with excellent ball control and a lethal finishing touch, Chawinga's impact extends beyond borders, contributing significantly to the elevation of Malawi's profile in the global women's football landscape.
3. Ghizlane Chebbak - Morocco
Ghizlane Chebbak has emerged as a prominent force in African women's soccer, contributing significantly to the success of the Moroccan women's national team. Instrumental in their runner-up finish at the last African Women's Cup of Nations, Chebbak played a pivotal role in securing a coveted World Cup spot. Beyond her national team achievements, she has been a dominant force in the Moroccan Women's League, claiming victory in the Moroccan Women's Championship a remarkable ten times.
Additionally, her prowess extended to the CAF Women's Champions League, where she secured a title in 2022. Chebbak's remarkable journey as a goal scorer and playmaker has solidified her status as one of the best women's soccer players in Africa, and her consistent contributions continue to elevate Moroccan women's football on the continental stage.
4. Ajara Njoya Nchout - Cameroon
Ajara Njoya Nchout has etched her name in the annals of African women's soccer history, leaving an indelible mark with her awe-inspiring performances. Best remembered for her sensational goal at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France against New Zealand, Nchout's skill and prowess have earned her two-time finalist nominations for the African Women's Player of the Year in 2019 and 2022.
Her enduring presence has been a driving force behind Cameroon's consistent appearances in the AWCON final, reflecting her importance to the national team. Beyond her individual accolades, Nchout's impact extends to helping Cameroon secure a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, showcasing her significance as a key contributor to the success and growth of women's soccer in Cameroon.
5. Rasheedat Ajibade - Nigeria
Rasheedat Ajibade has emerged as a rising star in Nigerian women's soccer, embodying a blend of skill and versatility. Initially recognized for her freestyle prowess, Ajibade seamlessly transitioned into the youth teams of the Nigerian women's team, demonstrating her adaptability and football acumen. Having secured moves abroad, she now plies her trade with Atletico Madrid's women's team.
While drawing comparisons to the iconic Asisat Oshoala, Ajibade has carved her own path, showcasing her pace and technical skills on the ball. Despite not clinching the Player of the Year Award, Ajibade's maturity and productivity have played a crucial role in Nigeria's qualification for the 2023 Women's World Cup, solidifying her status as a promising talent on the African women's soccer scene.
6. Thembi Kgatlana - South Africa
Thembi Kgatlana, a standout talent from South Africa, gained international acclaim for her stellar performances in women's soccer. In 2018, she left an indelible mark, showcasing her exceptional speed and skill during the Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON), where she not only earned the CAF Africa Women Cup of Nations Best Player but also secured the Top Scorer and CAF African Women's Footballer of the Year awards in 2019.
Kgatlana's contributions were pivotal in South Africa securing a place in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and clinching their first-ever AWCON title in Morocco the previous year. Renowned for her pace and trickery on the field, Thembi Kgatlana continues to be a dynamic force, leaving an enduring impact on the global women's soccer stage.
7. Barbra Banda - Zambia
Barbra Banda, a trailblazer in Zambian women's soccer, has etched her name in the record books with extraordinary feats. Holding a unique record, Banda scored two consecutive hat-tricks during the 2020 Olympics, demonstrating her goal-scoring prowess despite Zambia's 10-3 loss to the Netherlands and a thrilling 4-4 draw with China. Despite not being permitted to participate in the CAF AWCON due to testosterone level regulations, Banda's exceptional talent is undeniable.
Her contributions have significantly elevated Zambia's profile in women's soccer, and her performances at the highest level have solidified her status as one of the most formidable players on the African continent. As an inspiration to aspiring players, Barbra Banda's impact extends beyond the pitch, shaping the narrative of women's football in Zambia and beyond.
8. Racheal Kundananji - Zambia
Racheal Kundananji, a rising star hailing from Zambia, has made significant strides in women's football, capturing attention with her exceptional skills and goal-scoring prowess. Playing for the Spanish Liga F club Madrid CFF, Kundananji delivered an outstanding performance in the 2022/2023 season, notching an impressive 25 goals in 29 matches in the highly competitive Spanish Primera Division.
At just 23 years old, Kundananji's contribution was instrumental in helping Zambia secure its debut appearance at the FIFA Women's World Cup, showcasing her potential to join the ranks of other African football luminaries. As she continues to evolve on the international stage, football enthusiasts anticipate witnessing her further growth and impact, solidifying her position as one of Zambia's standout talents.
9. Chiamaka Nnadozie - Nigeria
Chiamaka Nnadozie, the accomplished goalkeeper from Nigeria, has garnered recognition as one of the continent's premier talents between the posts. Currently plying her trade with Paris FC, Nnadozie's stellar performances have positioned her as a top prospect for the African Player of the Year. Her remarkable display at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France, where she thwarted hosts France for over 80 minutes in Nigeria's opener, showcased her exceptional goalkeeping skills.
Continuing her excellence at the last AWCON, Nnadozie has consistently proven herself as a formidable force in the women's football arena. With her trajectory pointing towards further success, she remains a vital asset for both Paris FC and the Nigerian national team, earning her place among the continent's elite goalkeepers.
10. Linda Motlhalo - South Africa
Linda Motlhalo, often referred to as the 'South African Ronaldinho,' has become a prominent figure in women's football, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Renowned for her skillful play, Motlhalo played a pivotal role in breaking Nigeria's dominance on the Banyana Banyana. With 56 caps for South Africa and sixteen goals to her name, Motlhalo has consistently demonstrated her prowess on the field.
After a successful stint with Djurgaden, she currently plies her trade for the Scottish women's club side, Glasgow City. As one of South Africa's most skillful women, Motlhalo continues to be a key asset for both club and country, showcasing her flair and contributing to the growth of women's football in the region.
How Have Established Players Impacted the Soccer Landscape in Africa?
Established players in African women's soccer have played a pivotal role in shaping and transforming the landscape of the sport across the continent. One such luminary is Asisat Oshoala from Nigeria, an undisputed icon in African women's football. As a five-time winner of the African Women's Player of the Year award and the current holder, Oshoala has set a high standard for excellence.
Her multiple laurels, including two UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona and three La Liga Femina titles, have not only elevated her status but have also contributed to Nigeria's prominence in the international arena. Oshoala's achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring players, emphasizing the potential for African athletes to excel on the global stage.
Tabitha Chawinga from Malawi is another established player whose impact reverberates in the soccer landscape. Her prolific goal-scoring record, evidenced by 23 goals and seven assists in 23 matches in the Serie A for Inter Milan, has not only earned her recognition but has also drawn attention to the growing competitiveness of African players in top European leagues. Chawinga's success challenges the traditional power dynamics in women's soccer, showcasing that talent knows no boundaries. The accomplishments of established players like Oshoala and Chawinga contribute significantly to changing perceptions, fostering growth, and expanding opportunities for women's soccer throughout the African continent. Their influence extends beyond the pitch, inspiring the next generation of players and elevating the overall standard of the game in Africa.
Best Women Soccer Players In Africa - FAQs
Asisat Oshoala from Nigeria holds the title of the undisputed best-ever women's soccer player from Africa, with numerous accolades, including five-time African Women's Player of the Year and multiple championships with Barcelona.
Tabitha Chawinga, a Malawian footballer, secured the top scorer title in the Serie A Femminile, scoring 23 goals and providing seven assists in 23 matches for Inter Milan during the 2022/2023 season.
Barbra Banda from Zambia achieved a unique feat by scoring two consecutive hattricks during the 2020 Olympics women's soccer games, despite not being permitted to play at the CAF AWCON due to her testosterone levels.
Rasheedat Ajibade, a Nigerian forward, is often seen as a replica of Asisat Oshoala but with slightly lower quality. Ajibade, now playing for Atletico Madrid women's team, has matured in productivity and contributed to Nigeria's qualification for the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, the goalkeeper from Nigeria, is currently hailed as the best goalkeeper from the African continent. Playing for Paris FC, she gained recognition for her outstanding performances, particularly during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and the last AWCON, showcasing exceptional goalkeeping skills.