As the countdown begins to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024, a new generation of young talents is preparing to take centre stage, reports sportsvillagesquare.com.
Among them, Nigeria’s dynamic midfielder, Deborah Abiodun stands out as one of five rising stars tipped to set the tournament ablaze, with energy, skill, and ambition.
Though still only 21, Abiodun is no stranger to the international spotlight. Nicknamed “Kanté” for her tireless work rate and all-action midfield style, the Dallas Trinity FC player is quickly becoming a cornerstone of the Super Falcons.
First selected for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup by then-coach Randy Waldrum, her recall by current head coach Justine Madugu for this year’s WAFCON underscores her growing influence in a traditionally experienced Nigerian squad.
A product of the Rivers Angels’ tough, physical footballing school, Abiodun brings more than just energy. Her ability to anticipate play, direct tempo, and distribute with precision makes her central to Nigeria’s ambitions.
At WAFCON 2024, she will be tasked with breaking down opposition attacks and launching quick transitions—responsibilities she embraces with youthful confidence and composure.
Joining Abiodun in the spotlight are four other young talents from across the continent, each determined to make their mark on the biggest stage for women’s football in Africa.
Another youngster to watch at the championship is Ghana’s Comfort Yeboah, who plays for Ampem Darkoa in her home league.
At just 18, Yeboah has already shown the makings of a seasoned leader. Unveiled during the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League, she impressed as a commanding presence in Ampem Darkoa’s backline.
Equally comfortable defending and initiating play, her ability to take penalties under pressure highlights her calmness and leadership qualities.
In a youthful and ambitious Ghanaian squad, Yeboah could prove to be the defensive lynchpin. Botswana’s Jessica Modise is another young woman waiting to explode in Morocco. Fast, fearless, and fiercely intelligent on the ball, Modise has emerged as the face of Botswana’s new footballing generation.
With five goals in the WAFCON qualifiers, she’s already shown her ability to lead from the front. Her hybrid role as both scorer and creator makes her one of the tournament’s most unpredictable threats.
Tunisia’s Salma Marzouki has also been tipped to light up the championship. Though still a teenager, Marzouki is Tunisia’s midfield metronome.
Whether anchoring the midfield or linking up play, her calm demeanour and long-range shooting ability set her apart.
With maturity beyond her years, she will be central to Tunisia’s push to make history at this edition of the tournament. Ruth Bulala Nossa of DR Congo has been around the corridors of stardom for a while. Described as one of the tournament’s best-kept secrets, Nossa was discovered by DR Congo coach Hervé Happy during international scouting efforts.
Now plying her trade in France, she combines tactical intelligence with physical prowess.Her vision and game control could be decisive in tight contests, especially for a DR Congo side hoping to surprise the continent.
As these five rising stars prepare to step into the spotlight in Morocco, all eyes will be on how they handle the pressure—and perhaps redefine the future of women’s football on the continent. For Nigeria’s Abiodun and her fellow young guns, WAFCON 2024 isn’t just a tournament—it’s an opportunity to lead a generational shift.
