- Records That Could Be Broken at the Women’s African Cup of Nations 2026 in Morocco
The countdown to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco has intensified, with several long-standing records set to come under threat when Africa’s finest women’s footballers battle for continental glory.
The 14th edition of the tournament promises not only fierce competition for the coveted title but also the possibility of rewriting the record books, as legendary players chase personal milestones while teams look to establish new benchmarks.
Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné Targets Record Eighth WAFCON Appearance
Cameroon captain Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné stands on the brink of making history by becoming the player with the most appearances at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Should she feature in Cameroon’s opening match against Mali at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium on July 29, the veteran forward will compete in her eighth WAFCON tournament, surpassing Nigerian legend Onome Ebi, who made seven appearances.
The achievement would further cement Onguéné’s status as one of the greatest players in the history of African women’s football.
Nigerian Duo Eye Historic Sixth Continental Title
Nigeria’s Francisca Ordega and Osinachi Ohale have another opportunity to extend their remarkable legacy with the Super Falcons.
The experienced pair already hold the record as the most decorated players in WAFCON history, having won five continental titles each.
A successful campaign in Morocco would see both players lift an unprecedented sixth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy, further strengthening Nigeria’s dominance in the competition.
Fastest Goal Record Faces Fresh Challenge
One of the competition’s most remarkable individual records could also fall during the tournament.
Tunisia’s Mariem Houij currently holds the record for the fastest goal in WAFCON history after finding the net just 17 seconds into her side’s match against Togo during the 2022 edition.
With attacking football expected to dominate the expanded tournament, players will be eager to better Houij’s lightning strike and create a new piece of African football history.
Perpetua Nkwocha’s Incredible Goal Record Under Threat
Few records in African football have stood the test of time like Perpetua Nkwocha’s astonishing goalscoring feat.
The Nigerian legend scored 11 goals during the 2010 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, inspiring the Super Falcons to another continental title.
Her tally included two memorable hat-tricks—against Mali in the group stage and Cameroon in the semi-finals—and remains the highest number of goals scored by a single player in one edition of the tournament.
Sixteen years later, no player has managed to match that extraordinary achievement, but Morocco 2026 offers another opportunity for history to be rewritten.
Expanded Tournament Could Produce New Goalscoring Record
The overall tournament goals record is also expected to come under serious pressure.
The 2024 WAFCON produced 66 goals, the highest total ever recorded in a single edition of the competition.
However, the expansion of the tournament from 12 to 16 teams means more matches will be played in Morocco, significantly increasing the likelihood of surpassing that record.
With more attacking talent on display and additional fixtures creating greater scoring opportunities, CAF believes the 2026 edition could become the highest-scoring Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in history.
History Beckons in Morocco
Beyond the battle for the continental crown, the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations promises to be a celebration of African football excellence.
From record-breaking appearances and title triumphs to goalscoring milestones, several of the competition’s most cherished records could be rewritten as Africa’s best players compete for glory in Morocco.
With history waiting to be made, fans across the continent can expect another memorable chapter in the evolution of women’s football in Africa.
