WAFCON 2024: Two Super Falcons stars named in CAF’s Best XI in group stage

Two of Nigeria’s finest have been honoured with places in the CAF Best XI for the group stage of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Footynaija.com reports.

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashleigh Plumptre made the roster for the continent’s finest eleven in the opening round.

Midfield dynamo Ajibade earned her spot for orchestrating play with class and purpose — her intelligent movement and sharp link-up play were key to Nigeria’s attacking rhythm.

Meanwhile, Plumptre’s calm authority and rock-solid defending at left-back helped shore up a backline that was not breached in three group matches.

Best of the Best.

Here’s your Group Stage XI for the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024. ‍ pic.twitter.com/pcXd6ZtFtS

— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 16, 2025

The Best XI, selected by CAF’s Technical Study Group, celebrates standout performers from the group stage, which produced 45 goals in 18 games.

Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji headline the forward line, joined by Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye, whose four goals tied her for top scorer.

Joining Ajibade in midfield are Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak, who was named Best Player of the Group Stage, and South Africa’s Refiloe Jane, known for her composure and metronomic passing.

At the back, Plumptre lines up alongside South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane and Fikile Magama, and Zambia’s Lushomo Mweemba, while Algeria’s Chloé N’Gazi, who kept three clean sheets, claims the gloves as Best Goalkeeper.

South Africa’s Dr. Desiree Ellis was named Best Coach, her side topping their group unbeaten.