African women’s football has never looked this good—and this fierce. The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has officially kicked off in Morocco, and from the energy in the air, you’d think it was the World Cup itself. The stadiums are ready, the boots are laced, and the wigs? Well, they’ve been packed along with the boots—because style must meet substance on this kind of stage.
Postponed from last year, this edition of WAFCON isn’t just another football tournament—it’s a celebration of how far African women’s football has come, and a clear sign of where it’s headed.
Big Money, Big Game
First off, let’s talk money. This year’s prize pot has been bumped up to a whopping $3.475 million, with $1 million set aside for the champions. That’s a serious upgrade and a loud message from the Confederation of African Football (CAF): women’s football is not a side show. The runners-up will take home $500,000, and the third and fourth spots are worth $350,000 and $300,000 respectively. That’s no small change—even a Nigerian aunty selling Ankara will raise her brows at those figures.
Morocco: Again, But Better
Morocco, which hosted the last edition, is back at it—only this time, it’s shinier. The Olympic Stadium in Rabat has been given a face-lift, and there’s a brand-new trophy waiting for the next set of queens to lift. Twelve teams will battle it out, divided into three groups, and only eight will make it to the quarter-finals. With every match counting, there’ll be no room for “let’s just manage this one.”
The tournament runs from July 5 to 26, and just like Europe’s women’s championship happening at the same time, Africa is putting on her best heels and showing up for the global football party.
A Clash of Titans in the Opening Game
Host nation Morocco opened the show against the ever-energetic Copper Queens of Zambia. It’s a rematch of sorts—both sides shone at the last tournament. The Atlas Lionesses made their first-ever final, while Zambia stunned everyone (especially Nigeria) to snatch third place.
Super Falcons: On a Mission Called “X”
For Nigeria’s Super Falcons, this is personal. After missing the podium in the last edition—yes, we still feel the pain—they’re back and hungrier than ever. With nine titles already in their pocket, the team is aiming for number 10. And they’ve got a name for it: “Mission X”.
Coach Justin Madugu and his ladies are in Group B, alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. It won’t be a walk in the park—no group is. But Nigeria’s squad reads like a “who’s who” of African football excellence.
Six-time African Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, leads a forward line that promises goals, goals, and more goals. Behind her is a rock-solid defence anchored by Chiamaka Nnadozie, the reigning CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year. Add Osinachi Ohale, Ashleigh Plumptre, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade to the mix, and you’ve got a squad that looks ready to conquer.
Young bloods like Tosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Sikiratu Isah, Miracle Usani, and Deborah Abiodun are bringing the heat too. And let’s not forget, Nigeria has been in fine form heading into the tournament, with back-to-back wins over Cameroon and Ghana, and a spirited draw with Portugal.
No Easy Ride
But football is not played on paper, and reputations don’t win matches—goals do. With defending champions South Africa also in the mix, looking for a back-to-back title after finally breaking their jinx in the last edition, the Super Falcons have their work cut out.
It’ll take grit, discipline, teamwork, and maybe a little Nigerian stubbornness to bring the cup back home. But if any team knows how to make magic on African soil, it’s the Super Falcons.
So, as the sun sets over Rabat and the drums of African football beat louder, one thing is clear—WAFCON 2024 is not just a tournament. It’s a statement. The queens of African football have arrived, and they’re ready to dance.
Let the games begin—and may the best jollof win!
