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 as champions, after a 3-0 demolition of Malawi, felt symbolic of a broader shift in the sport’s landscape. But what makes this particularly fascinating is how this edition defied expectations, both on and off the pitch. Let’s dive into what this tournament revealed—and what it means for the future.
Expansion: A Double-Edged Sword That Paid Off
The decision to expand Wafcon to 16 teams was, in my opinion, a game-changer. Personally, I think it was a bold move, especially given the last-minute nature of the announcement. What many people don’t realize is that this expansion wasn’t just about numbers—it was about opportunity. Cameroon, for instance, only made it to the tournament thanks to their world ranking after being eliminated in qualifiers. And look what happened: they went on to lift the trophy.
But here’s the thing: expansion isn’t just about giving more teams a shot. It’s about raising the bar for competition. Ivory Coast, another beneficiary of the expanded format, topped their group before falling in the quarter-finals. This isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a sign that African women’s football is deepening its talent pool. If you take a step back and think about it, this is exactly what the sport needs: more high-level matches, more exposure, and more chances for teams to prove themselves.
The Rise of the Underdogs: A New Era of Competitiveness
One thing that immediately stands out is how this tournament challenged the status quo. Malawi’s fairy-tale run to the final wasn’t just a fluke—it was a statement. Beating Nigeria, the 10-time champions, was a seismic moment. The Chawinga sisters’ attacking prowess wasn’t just a highlight; it was a blueprint for how smaller nations can punch above their weight.
What this really suggests is that the gap between traditional powerhouses and emerging teams is closing. Tanzania’s upset over South Africa, Zambia’s near-miss in the knockout stage—these weren’t anomalies. They’re part of a larger trend toward a more level playing field. From my perspective, this is the most exciting development in African women’s football in years. It’s not just about who wins; it’s about who can compete.
Female Leadership: A Quiet Revolution
Cameroon’s victory under coach Valentine Nguele is more than just a trophy—it’s a milestone. She’s only the fifth female coach to win Wafcon, and what makes this particularly fascinating is how quickly she turned things around. Taking over just two months before the tournament, she built a team from scratch and led them to glory.
This raises a deeper question: why aren’t there more female coaches at this level? Nguele’s success isn’t just a personal achievement; it’s a challenge to the system. In my opinion, her story should be a wake-up call for federations across the continent. If you give women the opportunity to lead, they can deliver. It’s as simple—and as complicated—as that.
Nigeria’s Fall: The End of an Era?
Nigeria’s absence from the 2027 Women’s World Cup is a shock, but it’s not entirely surprising. The Super Falcons’ reliance on overseas talent has masked deeper structural issues for years. Their failure to qualify isn’t just a blip—it’s a reckoning.
What many people don’t realize is that Nigeria’s dominance was built on shaky foundations. With Morocco, Cameroon, and Algeria investing heavily in their programs, Nigeria’s place at the top was always going to be challenged. Desire Oparanozie’s call for a “fresh start” is spot-on. But here’s the kicker: will Nigeria actually address the root causes, or will they just paper over the cracks?
The Elephant in the Room: Empty Stadiums and Logistics
For all its successes, Wafcon 2026 wasn’t without its flaws. The low attendances—except for Morocco’s matches—were a stark reminder of the challenges facing the tournament. Personally, I think this is a symptom of bigger issues: the cost of travel, visa requirements, and a lack of grassroots engagement.
If you take a step back and think about it, these problems aren’t unique to Wafcon. They’re part of a broader struggle to grow women’s football across Africa. Until these logistical barriers are addressed, the tournament will always fall short of its potential.
What’s Next? The Future Is Uncertain—And That’s Exciting
Morocco has hosted three Wafcons in a row, but will they host another? The lack of clarity around the 2028 edition is worrying. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the tournament keeps clashing with the Olympics. This isn’t just a scheduling issue—it’s a strategic one.
From my perspective, Wafcon needs a permanent slot in the FIFA calendar. Without it, the tournament will always feel like an afterthought. But here’s the silver lining: the uncertainty also creates opportunity. With more countries investing in women’s football, the race to host—and win—future editions will only intensify.
Final Thoughts: A Tournament That Changed the Game
Wafcon 2026 wasn’t perfect, but it was transformative. Cameroon’s victory, Malawi’s rise, and Nigeria’s fall all point to a new era in African women’s football. What this really suggests is that the sport is evolving—and fast.
Personally, I think the biggest takeaway is this: the future of African women’s football isn’t just about winning trophies. It’s about building systems, empowering leaders, and creating opportunities. If this tournament is any indication, the best is yet to come.
