🎉 The 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON), hosted by Morocco in July 2025, concluded with Nigeria’s Super Falcons lifting their record-extending 10th continental title. The tournament was a showcase of talent, drama, and intense competition, culminating in a thrilling final where Nigeria overcame a strong Moroccan side with a stunning second-half comeback. This edition not only celebrated Nigeria’s continued dominance but also highlighted the significant growth of women’s football across Africa, further amplified by a substantial increase in prize money.
✨ The tournament, delayed by a year, saw host nation Morocco make it to the final for the second time in a row, buoyed by incredible home crowd support. However, they ultimately fell to a talented Nigerian team led by interim coach Justin Madugu. A major highlight before the competition was the Confederation of African Football (CAF) doubling the prize money for the winning team from $500,000 to $1 million, signaling a growing commitment to women’s football. Despite this positive step, some teams still faced internal disputes regarding player payments and support, an ongoing challenge for the sport in the region.
Tournament Overview & Group Stage Highlights
🏆 The 2024 WAFCON kicked off across several Moroccan cities, setting the stage for exciting group battles. Host nation Morocco topped Group A undefeated, narrowly edging out Zambia on goal difference. Senegal also advanced to the quarterfinals as one of the best third-place teams. In Group B, Nigeria asserted their strength, winning with seven points, while Algeria secured second place, surprisingly progressing despite scoring only one goal throughout the group stage. Group C saw reigning champions South Africa finish at the top, also undefeated, with Ghana and Mali joining them in the knockout rounds. Notable individual performances included Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji, who together scored all of Zambia’s goals in the group stage, and Morocco’s captain Ghizlane Chebbak, who delivered crucial late goals.
Thrilling Knockout Rounds & Dramatic Moments
⚽ The knockout stage delivered nail-biting encounters and unforgettable moments. Nigeria demonstrated their championship pedigree with a resounding 5-0 victory over Zambia in the quarterfinals, building a commanding lead early on. Morocco advanced by defeating Mali 3-1. One of the most dramatic matches was Algeria’s quarterfinal against Ghana, which ended goalless after 120 minutes before Ghana won 4-2 on penalties. Similarly, South Africa overcame a physical Senegalese side after a 0-0 draw, winning 4-1 in a penalty shootout, thanks to stellar saves from goalkeeper Andile Dlamini. The semifinals continued the high-stakes drama: Nigeria bested South Africa 2-1 in a hard-fought match, marked by a serious injury to South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado, who suffered a leg fracture. Morocco secured their final spot by defeating Ghana 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Nigeria’s Tenth Crown & Stellar Performances
🌟 The championship final in Rabat saw a dramatic comeback. Morocco took an early 2-0 lead within 30 minutes, thrilling their home crowd. However, Nigeria, with their characteristic resilience, stormed back in the second half, scoring three goals in the final 30 minutes to claim their 10th WAFCON title. Esther Okoronkwo was a standout, scoring Nigeria’s first goal from a penalty, assisting the second, and setting up Jennifer Echegini for the winning goal in the 88th minute. Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, and Nigeria’s Player of the Tournament Rasheedat Ajibade, along with Best Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, were among the many stars who shone brightly. Nigerian interim coach Justin Madugu was praised for his strategic prowess, leading the team to victory despite prior criticisms, proving the depth of local coaching talent.
Growing Pains and Future Aspirations
📈 The 2024 WAFCON underscored both the rapid progress and persistent challenges in African women’s football. Morocco’s impressive transformation, fueled by significant investment from its federation and King Mohamed VI, showcases how dedicated support can elevate the sport to new heights. The country now boasts professional leagues and world-class training facilities. However, issues like player payment disputes, highlighted by the South African team’s struggles, remain critical hurdles. Despite these challenges, the increased prize money and the quality of play throughout the tournament signal a bright future for WAFCON. With the next edition in 2026 serving as qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the stage is set for even more intense competition and continued development of women’s football on the continent.
