WAFCON : African Women’s Football Thrills Fans Despite Persistent Challenges -

WAFCON, the latest edition of the prestigious Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, is currently captivating fans across the continent and beyond. Held in Morocco a year later than originally scheduled, the tournament has already delivered electrifying moments, dazzling goals, and standout performances from Africa’s rising stars in women’s football. But as the tournament’s popularity grows, so do the discussions surrounding its long-standing structural challenges. From funding gaps and inadequate infrastructure to limited media exposure and gender-based inequality in sport, WAFCON 2024 reveals both the spectacular rise and the stubborn hurdles facing African women’s football.

WAFCON 2024: Morocco Becomes the Heart of African Women’s Football

For the second consecutive edition, Morocco has been selected as the host nation for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. This North African country has emerged as a beacon for football development, especially for women. With well-maintained stadiums, growing investments in grassroots programs, and strong government support, Morocco provides a striking contrast to the difficulties faced by other nations. The country’s commitment was evident during the opening ceremony at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where thousands of fans, including young girls, gathered to witness a new chapter in WAFCON history.

One of the most notable improvements this year has been fan engagement. Attendance is soaring, and the atmosphere in the stadiums reflects a rising appreciation for women’s football in Africa. Social media campaigns under hashtags like #WAFCON2024 and #AfricanWomensFootball have brought fans closer to the action. However, such progress remains fragile and uneven across the continent.

Star Players and Memorable Performances Light Up WAFCON 2024

WAFCON 2024 has become a platform for showcasing the continent’s top talents. Players like Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria), Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi), and Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) have demonstrated world-class skill and leadership. These stars are not just carrying their national teams but also paving the way for the next generation of female athletes in Africa.

The group stages of WAFCON 2024 have been full of surprises, upsets, and high-scoring matches. From Nigeria’s stunning comeback win to Zambia’s historic qualification to the quarterfinals, the tournament continues to defy expectations. CAF officials have praised the competitive level, noting the narrowing gap between traditionally dominant teams and emerging football nations like Botswana, Burundi, and Togo. The increased visibility of these national teams is essential for the development of women’s football in Africa.

Yet, while the athletes shine on the field, many of them continue to face challenges off it. Limited professional opportunities, low pay, and the absence of dedicated women’s leagues in their home countries mean that for many, success at WAFCON is not yet matched by long-term career sustainability.

Persistent Challenges Threaten the Growth of Women’s Football in Africa

Despite its growing popularity, WAFCON 2024 is also a stark reminder of the structural weaknesses facing African women’s football. One of the most persistent problems is the lack of adequate funding. While CAF has made efforts to increase prize money, most national federations still allocate a disproportionate share of their budgets to men’s programs. Female players often train in subpar facilities and receive little to no per diems during training camps.

In countries like Cameroon, Senegal, and Ghana, women’s national teams have repeatedly protested against poor treatment and unpaid wages. In 2022, Nigeria’s Super Falcons staged a sit-in protest over unpaid bonuses after reaching the WAFCON semifinals. Such incidents reveal a deeper issue: institutional neglect. Without serious investment and respect for female players, the growth of women’s football in Africa will always be limited.

Another major challenge is the limited media coverage of WAFCON compared to men’s competitions. Many matches are not broadcast on mainstream African television channels, and there is minimal coverage in sports newspapers. This invisibility discourages sponsorship and prevents players from building public profiles necessary for career growth and advocacy.

Calls for Reform and the Role of CAF in Promoting African Women’s Football

There have been growing calls for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take more proactive steps to address these inequities. While CAF has increased funding and visibility for the tournament, critics argue that this progress is slow and inconsistent. Stakeholders are pushing for the creation of a continental women’s league, mandatory budgeting for women’s football in each national federation, and better transparency in how women’s programs are administered.

Organizations such as FIFPRO and Equal Playing Field have partnered with African advocates to demand policy change. Their efforts aim to empower players and ensure gender parity in sports governance. Empowering former players to take on administrative roles has also been suggested as a way to ensure that women’s voices are heard in decision-making spaces.

Challenges in Promoting Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Beyond the Continent

Despite the growing enthusiasm across the African continent, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations still struggles to receive proper visibility and recognition beyond Africa’s borders. While star players such as Asisat Oshoala and Thembi Kgatlana captivate audiences with their performances, global media coverage remains disproportionately low compared to similar men’s tournaments. This limited exposure significantly impacts sponsorship deals, broadcasting rights, and overall financial sustainability of women’s football in Africa

To elevate the profile of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations globally, there is a dire need for CAF (Confederation of African Football) to collaborate with international broadcasters, influencers in sports journalism, and major sponsors committed to gender equality in sport. Additionally, digital storytelling and multilingual content could bridge the gap between African football narratives and international audiences. For example, Europe’s increased interest in women’s sports presents a timely opportunity for the WAFCON organizers to engage new audiences.

For a comprehensive look at global efforts to promote women’s football and the challenges faced by federations across continents, visit this insightful report by FIFPRO Global Employment Report: Women’s Football, which sheds light on structural issues and best practices worldwide.

The Role of Digital Platforms in Elevating the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

In an era dominated by digital media, platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are transforming how fans engage with the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. These tools have empowered players, teams, and federations to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and build direct relationships with audiences across the world. Highlight reels, behind-the-scenes footage, and personal narratives shared through social media are driving unprecedented engagement, especially among younger demographics.

However, the full potential of these digital tools has yet to be realized. Federations often lack the resources or strategic insight to effectively manage digital campaigns for women’s tournaments. Investing in dedicated digital media teams focused solely on the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations could significantly increase visibility and monetization opportunities. Player-led content also has high viral potential and can humanize the competition, helping fans connect emotionally with the teams and the tournament.

A successful case study is the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, which broke several digital engagement records thanks to proactive content strategies. Lessons from that campaign can be applied to the African context, as outlined in SportsPro Media’s FIFA 2023 digital impact report.

Investing in Infrastructure to Secure the Future of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

Infrastructure remains a cornerstone in determining the long-term success of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. While Morocco has set a new standard by investing in stadiums, training facilities, and accommodations, other host countries in the past have faced harsh criticism for providing substandard conditions. The quality of infrastructure directly influences player performance, injury risk, and the overall image of the tournament in the eyes of global stakeholders.

There needs to be a coordinated and transparent policy across African nations that bid to host the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. CAF can play a pivotal role by implementing minimum standards for host countries, ensuring that women’s football is not treated as an afterthought. Moreover, youth development centers, grassroots facilities, and high-performance academies for girls must be funded and prioritized to create a strong feeder system for national teams.

Encouraging examples can be drawn from nations such as South Africa and Nigeria, where ongoing investment in women’s leagues and training infrastructure has begun to yield competitive results on the continental stage. More details on infrastructure’s role in football development can be found at Goal.com’s analysis on Africa’s football infrastructure.

The Role of Digital Platforms in Elevating the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

Looking Forward: A Future Worth Fighting For

WAFCON 2024 is more than a tournament—it is a powerful expression of resilience, skill, and hope. It represents the dreams of millions of African girls who aspire to play football at the highest level. With every kick, save, and goal, these athletes are reshaping narratives, breaking stereotypes, and demanding space in a historically male-dominated sport.

But for African women’s football to reach its full potential, systemic change is essential. That means equal pay, fair investment, professional leagues, media attention, and safe environments free from harassment. The success of WAFCON 2024 can be a stepping stone—if matched by political will and genuine support.

Fans, federations, journalists, and corporate sponsors must work together to uplift women’s football across the continent. As the world watches the magic unfolding in Morocco, the time has come to ensure that these incredible moments are not exceptions but the new standard for African football.

Conclusion: The Battle for African Women’s Football Continues

While WAFCON 2024 offers many reasons to celebrate—the passion, the talent, the growing fan base—it also demands a sober reflection on what still needs to be done. The tournament has shown that the appetite for women’s football in Africa is real. Now it’s up to CAF, national federations, and African governments to match that passion with action. Only then will the full promise of African women’s football be realized, and the athletes who bring us joy every matchday will receive the respect, recognition, and resources they deserve.