10 Background MCU Characters More Important Than You Think

10. Ayo

Back in 2016, the MCU was finally introduced to some of Wakanda's absolute finest as Prince T'Challa looked to avenge the death of his father King T'Chaka in Captain America: Civil War.

Whilst obviously giving us our first real glimpse of the mighty Black Panther in action on the big screen, the film also held the honour of showcasing one of Wakanda's famed Dora Milaje bodyguards for the first time too. Ayo, seen escorting T'Challa throughout Civil War, also exhibits her fierce fighting ability on the battlefield during both Black Panther and Infinity War.

Despite being largely relegated to the background when it comes to her MCU screen-time, Ayo in the comics actually goes on to become a vital part of a story which sees her fall in love with fellow Dora Milaje Aneka. After Ayo rescues Aneka from a death sentence, which came after killing a member of a violent militia, the pair go on to form the vigilante team of the Midnight Angels.

Apparently, a romance between Okoye and Ayo almost made it into 2018's Black Panther, but was cut before the film's eventual release. Perhaps Black Panther 2 will finally give Ayo a decent share of the spotlight, building on her recent appearance in the Falcon and The Winter Soldier series...