Celebrating African Women in Football:2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

One of the most inspiring facts about African women in football is their resilience and dedication to the sport despite difficulties. They have shown passion and perseverance to succeed in a male-dominated sport. Many of these women come from countries where football is culturally reserved for men and are still consistently breaking down barriers and paving the way for future female footballers. 

Four African Women’s teams have now qualified for the world cup; Super Falcons (Nigeria), Banyana Banyana (South Africa), Copper Queens (Zambia) and Atlas Lionesses (Morocco). 

Morocco and Zambia are first-time qualifiers. 

The FIFA Women’s World Cup will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, marking the first time there will be two host countries. The tournament runs from July 20 to August 20th 2023.

Here are 4 African players to watch out for as we progress in the World Cup!

Asisat Oshoala

Oshoala is the all-time leading scorer for the Nigerian national team and a four-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year. She and Barcelona also triumphed in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. 

Oshoala scores goals frequently and poses a threat in the final third. She passes and dribbles well and creates good chances for her teammates. She is known for her speed, strength and finishing ability. She is a crucial player to watch out for in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Barbra Banda

Banda is a rising football talent in Africa. She is the captain of the Zambian national team and is well-known for her goal-scoring and dribbling prowess. Banda is a strong player who may be challenging to stop in one-on-one situations. 

She scores goals from a distance and is also a strong finisher. Since making her debut, Banda has played a significant role in the Zambian Women’s team. In 50 games for the national team, she has scored more than 50 goals. She was named Player of the Tournament at the 2018 African Women’s Championship. 

Thembi Kgatlana

Thembi Kgatlana plays for the South African women’s national team. She is famous for her blazing speed, skilful dribbling, and goal-scoring ability. She competed for South Africa at the 2018 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, and the 2016 Summer Olympics. 

She is a two-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, winning the award in 2018 and 2020. She was named Player of the Tournament at the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.

Ghizlane Chebbak 

Ghizlane Chebbak is a Moroccan footballer who plays midfield and captains the Moroccan women’s national team. Since making her debut for Morocco in 2010, Chebbak has been a top player. 

She competed for Morocco in the 2022 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2012 Summer Olympics, and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Chebbak is a gifted midfielder who excels in dribbling, passing, and shooting. 

These are just a few African players we expect to influence the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It will be amazing to see how these athletes perform on the international stage, as they are inspiring so many young girls and women throughout Africa.