Hajar Saïd, Tabitha Chawinga and Rasheedat Ajibade headline Arkema Première Ligue contingent at 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations | OneFootball

France's leagues will be strongly represented at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, 26 July to 16 August, with Hajar Saïd, Tabitha Chawinga and Rasheedat Ajibade among the standouts. According to L'Équipe, Première Ligue, Seconde Ligue and D3 provide 53 players, 21 of them from last season's top flight.

Hajar Saïd, signed by Paris FC this summer, returns after 2023-2024 at Bordeaux. The 21-year-old, who can play centre-back or midfield, arrives from AS Far Rabat, where she won the African Champions League. Before her club campaign, she will aim to impress at her first CAN after an October senior debut.

Chloé N'Gazi enters a second CAN aiming to better Algeria's quarter-final. Sidelined at OM, she left, then helped Montpellier stay up. At 30, she offers experience under Farid Benstiti, formerly of OL Lyonnes and PSG.

Tabitha Chawinga was OL Lyonnes' top league scorer with 11 goals, yet her season often felt frustrating. Malawi missed the last CAN and are not favourites, but with Chawinga, perhaps alongside sister Temwa, they could target the quarters. Their group features Nigeria, Zambia and Egypt.

Mélissa Bethi made the team of the season, her influence central to the Canaris. Algeria now expect a similar impact at this tournament.

Rasheedat Ajibade, player of the last edition, joined PSG after that success. Her first Paris season was mixed, with three goals and three assists in 26 games. With Nigeria, the aim is to retain the title and win an 11th continental crown, a record.

Source: L'Équipe