The recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco wasn’t just a tournament—it was a watershed moment for African women’s football. Cameroon’s triumph, dismantling Malawi 3-0 in the final, wasn’t merely a victory; it signaled a seismic shift in the continent’s football landscape. Personally, I think this edition of Wafcon will be remembered as the turning point where the old guard began to falter, and new contenders emerged with undeniable force.
The Expansion Gamble: A Game-Changer or a Lucky Break?
The decision to expand Wafcon to 16 teams was, in my opinion, both bold and necessary. What many people don’t realize is that this move wasn’t just about numbers—it was about inclusivity and opportunity. Cameroon, the eventual champions, only made it to the tournament thanks to this expansion, which relied on world rankings after their initial qualifying defeat. This raises a deeper question: would we have seen such a thrilling final without this change?
From my perspective, the expansion worked not just because it allowed more teams to participate, but because it injected fresh energy into the competition. Malawi’s Cinderella story, for instance, was nothing short of magical. Their 3-2 upset over Nigeria, a 10-time champion, wasn’t just a shock result—it was a statement. If you take a step back and think about it, this tournament proved that African women’s football is no longer a one-horse race.
A Level Playing Field? Not Quite, But Getting There
One thing that immediately stands out is the increased competitiveness this year. Tanzania’s victory over South Africa, a team ranked 65 places above them, wasn’t an anomaly—it was a trend. What this really suggests is that the gap between traditional powerhouses and emerging teams is narrowing.
However, let’s not get carried away. While the likes of Malawi and Zambia showed immense promise, teams like Cape Verde and Kenya struggled to make an impact. This disparity highlights a broader issue: the uneven development of women’s football across the continent. In my opinion, CAF needs to invest more in grassroots programs and infrastructure if we’re to see a truly level playing field.
The Rise of Female Leadership: A Quiet Revolution
Cameroon’s victory under Valentine Nguele, the fifth female coach to win Wafcon, is a detail that I find especially interesting. Her achievement isn’t just about tactics or strategy—it’s about representation. What makes this particularly fascinating is that she took over just two months before the tournament, yet managed to build a cohesive, winning team.
This raises a deeper question: why are there still so few female coaches in African football? From my perspective, Nguele’s success should be a wake-up call for federations across the continent. If we’re serious about elevating women’s football, we need to start by elevating women in leadership roles.
Nigeria’s Fall from Grace: A Wake-Up Call
Nigeria’s absence from the 2027 Women’s World Cup is, in my opinion, the biggest story of this tournament. The Super Falcons’ dominance has been unquestioned for decades, but their failure to even qualify is a stark reminder that talent alone isn’t enough. What many people don’t realize is that Nigeria’s reliance on foreign-based players has masked systemic issues within their domestic football structure.
This raises a deeper question: can Nigeria reclaim their throne? Personally, I think it’s going to take more than a fact-finding committee. The country needs a complete overhaul of its women’s football ecosystem, from youth development to professional leagues.
The Elephant in the Room: Empty Stadiums
While the on-field action was thrilling, the empty stands were a glaring issue. Attendances, except for Morocco’s matches, were abysmal. What this really suggests is that African women’s football still struggles to capture the imagination of the broader public.
In my opinion, this isn’t just a marketing problem—it’s a cultural one. Women’s football needs to be normalized, celebrated, and integrated into the fabric of African society. Until then, we’ll continue to see half-empty stadiums, no matter how exciting the matches are.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for African Women’s Football?
As we look to the future, one thing is clear: the landscape is changing. Morocco’s investment in the women’s game, Cameroon’s $2 million prize money, and the rise of teams like Algeria and Malawi all point to a brighter future. But, if you take a step back and think about it, there’s still a long way to go.
The lack of a consistent calendar slot for Wafcon, the visa and travel barriers for fans, and the slow adoption of technology like VAR are all hurdles that need addressing. From my perspective, CAF has a golden opportunity to build on this momentum, but it requires vision, commitment, and, most importantly, action.
Final Thoughts
Wafcon 2026 wasn’t just a tournament—it was a statement. It showed us that African women’s football is on the rise, but it also exposed the cracks that still need fixing. Personally, I think this is the most exciting time in the history of the sport on the continent. The question is: will we seize this moment, or let it slip through our fingers?
In my opinion, the future is bright, but it’s not guaranteed. It’s up to all of us—fans, federations, and players—to ensure that the momentum continues. Because, if you take a step back and think about it, the potential is limitless.
