Two of Nigeria’s Super Falcons stars, Rasheedat Ajibade and Ashleigh Plumptre, have been named in the CAF Best XI of the Group Stage at the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Afrosport reports.
The list was compiled by the tournament’s Technical Study Group (TSG) following an electrifying group stage that delivered 45 goals across 18 matches.
Ajibade earned her place in midfield for her relentless drive and technical prowess, serving as a crucial link between Nigeria’s midfield and attack. Her standout moment came in Nigeria’s vital 1–0 victory over Botswana, where she was named Woman of the Match, a result that sealed the Super Falcons’ progression to the knockout rounds.
Plumptre, meanwhile, anchored Nigeria’s defence with, impressing with her composure on the left side and her ability to support attacking transitions.
In attack, Zambia dominated the front line with Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, who netted three goals apiece during the group stage. They are joined by Nguenar Ndiaye of Senegal, whose four goals made her the group stage’s joint-top scorer.
Ajibade is flanked in midfield by Ghizlane Chebbak of Morocco, who was named Best Player of the Group Stage, and Refiloe Jane of South Africa, recognised for her ability to control the pace of the game through sharp distribution and intelligent positioning.
Joining Plumptre in defence are Bambanani Mbane and Fikile Magama of South Africa, while Zambia’s Lushomo Mweemba completes the rearguard with standout aerial strength and defensive awareness.
Algerian shot-stopper Chloe N’Gazi was selected as the Goalkeeper of the Group Stage after keeping three clean sheets and playing a key role in helping the Green Ladies secure a historic first-ever qualification to the WAFCON quarter-finals.
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
CAF Best XI – WAFCON 2024 Group Stage (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Chloe N’Gazi (Algeria)
Defenders: Ashleigh Plumptre (Nigeria); Bambanani Mbane (South Africa); Lushomo Mweemba (Zambia); Fikile Magama (South Africa)
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria); Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco); Refiloe Jane (South Africa)
Forwards: Racheal Kundananji (Zambia); Barbra Banda (Zambia); Nguenar Ndiaye (Senegal)
