As the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco heads into its decisive semifinal stage, Nigeria’s Chinwendu Ihezuo has emerged as a strong contender for the tournament’s Golden Boot, following her standout performance in the Super Falcons’ emphatic 5-0 quarterfinal victory over Zambia.
Ihezuo, who scored Nigeria’s third goal in the rout, has now netted three times in the tournament and sits just one goal behind the current joint top scorers — Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye, both on four goals.
With Ndiaye already eliminated following Senegal’s quarterfinal exit at the hands of South Africa, and Chebbak yet to find the net since the group stage, Ihezuo’s rise could not have come at a better time.
The Nigerian striker, in peak form heading into the semifinal clash against defending champions South Africa, remains Nigeria’s best hope of claiming the prestigious top scorer award.
Her goal-scoring instinct and growing confidence are expected to be pivotal as the Super Falcons chase a record-extending 10th continental title.
With Zambia’s prolific duo, Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji—also on three goals each—exiting the tournament after their heavy loss to Nigeria, the path is now clearer for Ihezuo to challenge for individual honours.
Morocco’s Ibtissam Jraïdi, who scored a brace in the hosts’ 3-1 win over Mali, also sits on three goals and will be another player to watch in the final rounds.
However, all eyes in Nigeria will be on Ihezuo as she leads the Falcons’ frontline into what promises to be a thrilling semifinal showdown.
As CAF released its updated Golden Boot standings on Monday, the growing momentum behind Nigeria’s No. 9 has added an extra layer of excitement to the final stages of WAFCON 2024.
Current Top Scorers – CAF WAFCON 2024, Morocco:
4 goals: Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco), Nguenar Ndiaye (Senegal – eliminated)
3 goals: Ibtissam Jraïdi (Morocco), Chinwendu Ihezuo (Nigeria), Barbra Banda (Zambia – eliminated), Racheal Kundananji (Zambia – eliminated)
2 goals: Mama Diop (Senegal – eliminated), Alice Kusi (Ghana), Aissata Traoré (Mali – eliminated), Yasmine Mrabet (Morocco)
