Cameroon Dominates CAF's 2026 WAFCON Best XI Selection

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed the Best XI for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), showcasing a strong contingent of players from the victorious Cameroonian team. Cameroon emerged as the most represented nation in the elite squad, reflecting their dominant performance in the tournament.

The selection includes Michaely Bihina of Cameroon in goal. The defense is bolstered by Ines Belloumou (Algeria), Nohaila Benzina and Hanane Aït El Haj (Morocco), and Myriam Nyadjou (Cameroon). The midfield features Monique Ngock (Cameroon), Temwa Chawinga (Malawi), and Marine Dafeur (Algeria).

In the attacking third, Malawi's prowess is highlighted by Tabitha Chawinga, who is joined by Marie Ngah of Cameroon and Zambia's Barbra Banda. The coaching honor for the Best XI goes to Valentine Nguele of Cameroon, who led her team to the WAFCON title.

A significant omission from the Best XI is any player from Nigeria's Super Falcons. The Nigerian team, a historically dominant force in African women's football, was eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals. Their subsequent 2-1 loss to South Africa in the playoff for a place in the intercontinental qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup ended their hopes of participation. This defeat also marked the end of Nigeria's streak of appearing in every Women's World Cup since its inception in 1991.