WAFCON 2024 further highlights deep problems in African women’s football | OneFootball

WAFCON 2024 had everything fans love in a tournament. Exciting games, quality football, and a dramatic comeback in the grand final. But while there was plenty to celebrate on the pitch, the tournament also exposed the deep problems still holding back women’s football in Africa.

From emotional wins to heartbreaking losses, this year’s WAFCON was a rollercoaster. The Super Falcons of Nigeria pulled off an incredible comeback against hosts Morocco, winning 3-2 to claim their record tenth title. The final, played in front of a packed stadium in Rabat with FIFA President Gianni Infantino watching, was a proud moment for Nigerian football.

Ghana also surprised many by finishing third, while defending champions South Africa had a disappointing run and ended in fourth place. But as much as the matches made headlines, there was a lot happening behind the scenes that deserved attention too. We’ve dissected the highs and lows of the tournament.

Nigeria triumph as rising stars stake their claim

One of the brightest stories from WAFCON 2025 came from the Black Queens of Ghana. They played with heart and determination, proving they came not just to compete, but to leave a mark. Their 2-0 win over South Africa in the third place match made them the surprise package of the tournament.

Nigeria also added another proud moment to their history. After going two goals down at half-time in the final, they came back to win over hosts Morocco, showing incredible strength and unity. It was a performance that reminded everyone why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football.

The level of competition across the tournament was impressive. Many games were closely contested, and young players stepped up in big moments. Rising stars like Deborah Abiodun, Sakina Ouzraoui and Stella Nyamekye gave fans a glimpse of what the future could look like.

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WAFCON 2025 showed that women’s football in Africa is growing fast. But it also made one thing clear. Talent is not enough if the system behind it stays broken.

Lack of coverage and poor planning

As exciting as the football was, several serious problems showed that women’s football in Africa still does not get the support it deserves.

Even before the tournament started, the Super Falcons of Nigeria almost pulled out over unpaid bonuses and wages. CAF had to step in to resolve the issue. Sadly, this was not the first time. Teams like Zambia and others have also faced repeated problems with payments and poor treatment.

During the tournament, fans from the host country were caught using laser lights to distract opposing players. This is not the first time it has happened. Similar issues came up during the last men’s tournament in 2024. It is a tactic that is not only unfair but dangerous, and it keeps happening because no one is truly stopping it.

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Another big issue was attendance. Even with smaller venues, most stadiums were half empty. Promotion of the tournament was poor, and media coverage did not do enough to build hype. WAFCON was originally supposed to take place in 2024, but due to poor planning, it was pushed to July 2025. Only the final between Nigeria and Morocco drew a full crowd.

Things got even worse behind the scenes. Just days before their first match, the Super Falcons had to train in old kits because the Nigeria Football Federation did not provide them with new training gear on time. The NFF said the kits were stuck at customs in Morocco, but with better planning, that problem could have been avoided entirely.

All of these problems point to one bigger issue. Neglect. Those who run football in Africa often treat the women’s game like an afterthought. But if we want to see real progress, that has to change. The players deserve better. Not just during the final match, but every step of the way. That includes training, payments, planning, and the respect they have earned.

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