The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season is two games away from its conclusion so we take a dive into the influence of African players, whose performance from August through October has proven vital for their clubs’ ambitions.

Temwa Chawinga (Malawi – KC Current)

The Malawian forward continues to dominate headlines as the top scorer of the 2025 regular season, with 15 goals in 22 games. Standing at 5 ft 8, the 27-year-old leads the Golden Boot race by two goals and is on the verge of retaining the award. Following KC Current’s latest win over Gotham FC, the team sits comfortably at the top of the table with 62 points from 24 matches, 18 ahead of second-placed Washington Spirit. The victory also saw KC Current make history as the first team in the NWSL to record 20 league wins in a single season.

Barbra Banda (Zambia – Orlando Pride)

Since joining Orlando Pride in 2024, Banda has been a force of nature. The Zambian striker has scored 8 goals and registered one assists in 16 appearances this season. The 2024 NWSL Championship MVP and two-time Ballon d’Or nominee continues to cement her legacy in the league. Earlier in the 2025 season, Banda set an NWSL record for the fastest hat trick, netting three goals against the Utah Royals in just 38 minutes. Unfortunately, a hip adductor injury sustained on August 16 against Kansas City sidelined her for the rest of the regular season.

Michelle Alozie (Nigeria – Houston Dash)

The Nigerian rigjt-back has featured consistently for Houston Dash, making 18 appearances this season and scoring once. Her lone goal came on the road, demonstrating her persistence and ability to step up in key away fixtures. Alozie’s pace and defensive contributions continue to make her a vital asset to the Dash’s system.

Racheal Kundananji (Zambia – Bay FC)

In Bay FC’s debut season, Racheal Kundananji has been at the heart of the club’s attacking play. With four goals and four assists to her name, the Zambian international’s versatility and relentless work rate have been pivotal. Her ability to both create and finish chances has quickly established her as one of the NWSL’s most dynamic forwards.

Gift Monday (Nigeria – Washington Spirit)

Nigerian forward Gift Monday made NWSL history this season when she scored the fastest hat trick ever recorded in the league, netting three goals in under 36 minutes against the Houston Dash. Her clinical display not only secured a playoff spot for the Washington Spirit but also earned her the NWSL Player of the Week honor. Though not always a regular starter, her ability to rise to the occasion when called upon underscores both her quality and the growing depth of African talent in the league.

With the regular season winding down and the playoffs on the horizon, the impact of Africa’s finest cannot be overstated. From Chawinga’s Golden Boot chase to Monday’s record-breaking hat trick, their performances have altered title races and shaped playoff outcomes. If the 2025 season has made anything clear, it’s that African players are no longer emerging prospects, they are central figures in the NWSL’s competitive landscape.