As the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2024) enters its final days, fans can take a momentary breather and reflect on the spectacle they have witnessed over the past couple of weeks.
The continent’s finest footballers have served up a footballing feast filled with jaw-dropping moments and unforgettable performances.
On Saturday, Nigeria will face host nation Morocco in a mouthwatering final.
But before the curtain finally falls on the 13th edition of the WAFCON, attention can briefly turn to the brilliant individuals who have lit up the tournament.
Who deserves to walk away with the coveted MVP award — the crown for the tournament’s standout player?
While Zambia’s Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda were early standouts, and Ghana’s Alice Kusi and Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye had flashes of brilliance, their nations bowed out before the business end.
That leaves five top contenders — from Nigeria’s relentless Rasheedat Ajibade to Morocco’s irrepressible Ghizlane Chebbak — each with a strong claim to the throne.
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5. Andile Dlamini (South Africa) – 40% winning chance
South Africa’s Andile Dlamini ha been commanding, unflappable, and clutch in goal like no other.
Dlamini’s contribution to Banyana Banyana’s campaign goes far beyond stats. But if you must look at the numbers: three clean sheets in four games, more saves than most goalies, two saved penalties vs Senegal, and countless moments of last-line heroics.
She kept her goal unbreached against Ghana, Mali, and Senegal, and in a Banyana Banyana squad that boasts several talented individuals, Dlamini’s star has shone the brightest.
She was instrumental in South Africa’s quarterfinal triumph over Senegal, saving two spot-kicks in their first-ever shootout win at the WAFCON.
Even in defeat to Nigeria, she nearly denied Ajibade from the spot and kept her side in the game until the 94th minute.
Dlamini is one of South Africa’s best-ever goalkeepers, male or female. If ever an MVP award should go to a keeper, it’s now.
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4. Ibtissam Jraïdi (Morocco) – 50% winning chance
Many who watched the 2023 FIFA Women World Cup will remember the name Ibtissam Jraïdi, that confident forward who scored Morocco’s first ever goal in the history of the competition.
The 32-year-old forward has been brilliant for the Atlas Lionesses again at this tournament.
Jraïdi has quietly but consistently delivered in Morocco’s remarkable run to a second successive WAFCON final.
Jraïdi’s tally of three goals is impressive, but it’s the timing and importance of those strikes that stand out.
She coolly converted a penalty in the 2-2 group stage opener against Zambia, showing nerves of steel. Then, against Mali in the quarterfinals, she produced a near-flawless performance, netting a stunning brace to seal Morocco’s semi-final berth.
In the semi-final against Ghana, Jraïdi once again rose to the occasion, converting her penalty in a tense shootout that sent Morocco to the final.
A clutch performer, she brings experience, leadership, and firepower to the North African giants.
If she puts in another match-winning display against Nigeria and Morocco lifts the title, she will be a serious contender for the Player of the tournament — and deservedly so.
3. Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria) – 60% winning chance
WAFCON debutants rarely look this composed. Nigeria’s Esther Okoronkwo has been a revelation for the Super Falcons: lively, versatile, efficient, and impactful in nearly every game.
She began the tournament by coming off the bench to win Player of the Match against Tunisia. She followed that with a vital late assist against Botswana. But it was her quarterfinal display against Zambia that truly turned heads: one goal and two assists in a 5-0 masterclass.
Her raw quality, fearless play and tactical awareness have added depth to Nigeria’s already formidable attack. Should she deliver again in the final, the MVP panel may find it hard to ignore her.
2. Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria) – 70% winning chance
Few players have embodied their team’s spirit as completely as Rasheedat Ajibade has for the Super Falcons.
She’s been everywhere; organising the press, dropping deep to start moves, providing assists, and scoring that important opener against South Africa.
Her leadership has been immense. She has won Player of the Match honours in three different matches, more than any other player. With one goal and two assists, her numbers are solid — but her influence on Nigeria’s style, structure, and success has been far more significant.
Ajibade’s penalty against South Africa in the semi-final was a moment of composure under immense pressure. If she leads Nigeria to glory again, it may finally be her time to collect the MVP award that narrowly escaped her in 2022.
1. Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) – 75% winning chance
Experience. Leadership. End product. Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak ticks every MVP box. The 34-year-old Atlas Lionesses captain, named MVP at WAFCON 2022, is delivering a vintage encore in 2025.
She leads the tournament with four goals, including the first hat-trick of the competition against DR Congo. She also scored a last-minute equaliser versus Zambia, proving she thrives under pressure.
Chebbak is more than a scorer. She’s the beating heart of the Moroccan side — dictating tempo, leading from the front, and inspiring those around her. If Morocco triumphs on home soil, she will be a two-time MVP and WAFCON legend.
So, who gets your vote?