Seven stars to watch at Wafcon 2026 and why

Seven stars to watch at Wafcon 2026 and whyImage source, Caf/Getty ImagesImage caption, Nigeria's Esther Okoronkwo, South Africa's Refiloe Jane and Morocco's Ghizlane Chebbak are among the experienced players eyeing Wafcon gloryByRob StevensBBC Sport AfricaPublished31 minutes agoThe 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) kicks off on Sunday, with Nigeria defending their title.Morocco is hosting for the third time in a row, with the Atlas Lionesses aiming to lift the trophy for the first time after losing back-to-back finals on home soil.This year's tournament has added importance because qualification for the 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup is on the line, with the four semi-finalists securing a ticket to Brazil.BBC Sport Africa picks out seven players to watch.Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria)The AFC Toronto forward was the inspiration behind her country's run to a record-extending 10th title last year with two goals and six assists.Seizing her moment as a starter from the quarter-finals onwards, Okoronkwo combined creativity with some unerring finishing.With the Super Falcons trailing 2-0 against the hosts in the final, it was the 29-year-old's composed penalty which sparked the comeback.Okoronkwo then set up Folashade Ijamilusi's equaliser and Jennifier Echegini's late winner to complete a remarkable turnaround.Despite her impact, Okoronkwo was surprisingly overlooked at the Confederation of African Football awards last year, meaning she may have extra motivation to show what she can do on the big stage.Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi)Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Tabitha Chawinga scored 11 goals as Lyon reclaimed their domestic league title, but the French side were beaten in the final of the Women's Champions LeagueMalawi are one of two Wafcon debutants and the Lyon forward is the main goal threat for the lowest-ranked nation at the finals, having helped fire her club side to a fifth consecutive league title...