Players and teams will be aiming to rewrite the record books when the expanded Women’s Africa Cup of Nations gets underway.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is expected to deliver more than just exciting football, with several long-standing tournament records under threat as Africa’s biggest women’s football competition returns to Morocco.
With the championship expanded to 16 teams, the increased number of matches creates fresh opportunities for players and nations to establish new milestones. According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a number of individual and team records could be rewritten during the tournament.
Onguéné Closing In on Historic Appearance Record
Cameroon captain Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné is on the verge of becoming the player with the most appearances in WAFCON history.
If she features in Cameroon’s opening fixture against Mali, the experienced forward will compete in her eighth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, surpassing Nigeria’s Onome Ebi, who has appeared in seven editions of the tournament.
Ordega and Ohale Eye Sixth WAFCON Winners’ Medal
Veteran Super Falcons stars Francisca Ordega and Osinachi Ohale are on the verge of another piece of history. Both players have already won five WAFCON titles—more than any other footballers in the competition’s history and could claim a record sixth winners’ medal if Nigeria successfully defends its crown in Morocco. Their achievements continue to highlight Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football over the years.
Fastest Goal Record Could Be Challenged
Another milestone that could fall is the record for the fastest goal in WAFCON history.
Tunisia’s Mariem Houij currently holds that honour after finding the net just 17 seconds into her country’s match against Togo during the 2022 tournament.
With hundreds of players set to participate in this year’s expanded competition, CAF believes the record could face a serious challenge.
Perpetua Nkwocha’s Goalscoring Record Still Stands
Former Super Falcons striker Perpetua Nkwocha remains the holder of one of the tournament’s most remarkable records.
The Nigerian legend scored 11 goals during the 2010 edition, the highest tally by any player in a single WAFCON tournament. Her outstanding campaign included two hat-tricks and remains one of the greatest individual performances in the competition’s history.
Several of Africa’s leading forwards will be hoping to eclipse that mark in Morocco.
Expanded Tournament Could Produce More Goals
The record for the highest number of goals scored in a single WAFCON currently stands at 66, achieved during the previous edition in Morocco.
However, with 16 teams competing and more fixtures scheduled than ever before, CAF believes the conditions are in place for a new tournament scoring record to be established.
The expanded format not only increases competition but also creates additional opportunities for attacking players to leave their mark on the tournament.
History Waiting to Be Made
As the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco gets underway, fans can look forward to more than just the race for the trophy.
From record-breaking appearances and championship titles to goalscoring feats, this year’s tournament offers players the chance to etch their names into African football history while competing for continental glory.