LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup will take place in Australia and New Zealand from 20 July to 30 August and Nigerian football stars will also have an opportunity to shine.
South Africa, the African champions, who will be participating in the competition for the first time, will join Nigeria, who will be making their tenth participation in it.
Following a successful 2022 Wafcon performance, Morocco and Zambia are making their debuts. But here are six African superstars the world will have to keep a keen eye on:
Zambia’s Barbra Banda
Banda made news after being the first player to score back-to-back hat-tricks in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament at the 2020 Olympics in Japan.
Although she controversially skipped the 2022 Wafcon, she is now eligible to compete in the 2023 World Cup. On the shoulders of the 23-year-old rest the hopes that Zambia will make an impact.
Rasheedat Ajibade
Rasheedat Ajibade, also known as “Rash,” is a crucial player who the Super Falcons can rely on. He is from Nigeria.
The Atletico Madrid player has maintained consistency since her Falcons squad debut back in 2018. Ajibade is a part of the team’s DNA and will be greatly depended upon. He has represented his country in all youth structures.
Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak
The 32-year-old was a key factor in the Atlas Lionesses’ first-ever World Cup qualification.
She is adept with the ball and has a keen eye for both goals and assists. Morocco now has an engine capable of guaranteeing that all departments operate efficiently thanks to Chebbak fit.
For the 2022 Wafcon finals, her ball supply and management will be essential.
Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala
Beginning with top-tier competitions and ending with the Uefa Women’s Champions League, the 28-year-old Super Falcons has taken home the majority of club championships.
She was also a key contributor to the Super Falcons’ victories in the 2014, 2016, and 2018 Wafcon.
Nigeria’s finest World Cup performance was making it to the quarterfinals, but with her expertise, the Falcons may go much better this time around.
READ ALSO: FIFA WC: Super Falcons Have A Big Chance of Qualifying For Next Round – Oshoala
South African national Thembi Kgatlana
The 2022 Wafcon group stage injury to the Banyana Banyana attacker’s Achilles tendon required her to return home for surgery. Without her assistance, Banyana went on to win the tournament.
The 27-year-old, though, has fully recovered and is prepared to captain South Africa in the international competition.
South African Linda Motlhalo
Since her debut in 2016 at the age of just 17, Motlhalo has been a success for Banyana.
Despite missing a vital penalty in the 2018 Wafcon, she scored one four years later to assist Banyana advance all the way to the biennial championship.
Motlhalo continues to awe and excite on the football field with her uncanny ability and eye for goal.