WAFCON
With a new trophy, Morocco, the Kingdom of Light, ignites a new WAFCON era
As Morocco, proudly dubbed the “Kingdom of Light,” prepares to host the 2024 edition of WAFCON, the unveiling of the new trophy signals a powerful shift—one that celebrates both the pioneers of the women’s game and those who now dream of etching their names into history.
The new chapter in African women’s football was written in Casablanca on Wednesday as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the new trophy for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), ahead of the 2024 tournament kick-off in Morocco.
In a dazzling ceremony held at the luxurious Hotel Casablanca, football icons, dignitaries, and stakeholders gathered to witness the symbolic launch of a new era—marked by the presentation of a modern, gold-accented trophy that CAF describes as both “a reflection of the struggle” and “a celebration of triumph.”
The event was graced by several prominent figures in African women’s football, including former South African captain and current TV consultant Amanda Dlamini, Cameroonian international Ajara Njoya, and Lamia Boumehdi, coach of TP Mazembe and the first African woman to lead a team to victory in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Dlamini reflected on the evolution of the game, saying: “When I started, we played to exist. Today, young people play to win. This trophy is the symbol of that transition. The dream continues—but now it is within reach.”
For Ajara Njoya, the new trophy represents not just a prize, but progress. “This is an evolution. The vision CAF is bringing today is excellent for women’s football. I remember the resistance I faced when I started. Today, parents are encouraging their daughters to play,” she said.
The design of the trophy combines modern aesthetics with African heritage, featuring smooth curves symbolizing collective momentum and a golden finish that evokes excellence.
The presentation was met with a wave of emotion in the room—celebratory smiles mixed with reflective silence, as attendees recognized the deeper meaning of the moment.
CAF describes the trophy as a lasting symbol—not just of victory, but of the enduring fight for recognition that African women in football have waged for decades.
“This is more than a cup,” said Lamia Boumehdi. “It is a symbol. A recognition—and a responsibility. We must rise to the occasion.”
TotalEnergies, the title sponsor of the competition, reaffirmed its commitment to women’s football through its partnership with CAF.
“This trophy is the result of a long-standing commitment,” said Abdesslam Rhnimi, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Morocco. “At TotalEnergies, we believe in the transformative power of women’s football. This is not just about branding—it’s about building a platform for African ambition, expression, and pride.”
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By Kunle Solaja.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed, with Africa’s football governing body announcing new dates for the tournament in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition. It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.
CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.
In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.
Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 edition of the tournament, is expected to leverage its modern stadium infrastructure and growing reputation as a major football events destination to deliver another high-profile competition.
CAF expressed confidence that the revised schedule will allow all stakeholders to adequately prepare for the tournament.
“Preparations for the WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the governing body stated.
The tournament will bring together Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental supremacy, with the rescheduling expected to give organisers additional time to ensure optimal preparations for the event.
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The Confederation of African Football has announced that it will issue an official communication within the next 48 hours regarding the situation surrounding the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
In a brief message posted on social media, CAF indicated that the matter has been under extensive discussion in recent weeks and is currently receiving urgent attention at the highest levels of the organisation.
“CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There have been several discussions over the past weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” the confederation stated.
Although CAF did not provide specific details about the issue under review, the statement suggests that senior officials within the continental governing body are working toward a resolution.
The development has sparked anticipation across the African football community, particularly among national teams preparing for the women’s continental championship.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to clarify the circumstances and outline the next steps for the tournament when it releases its official update within the stipulated timeframe.
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Reigning African champions Nigeria produced a commanding response, defeating Cameroon 3–1 on Tuesday in the second of their pre-WAFCON international friendlies in Yaounde.
Three days after suffering a narrow 1–0 loss at the Military Stadium, the Super Falcons returned to the same venue. They delivered a far more assured performance, underlining their pedigree as perennial continental powerhouses.
Head Coach Justin Madugu rang the changes, making seven alterations to the starting line-up that featured in Saturday’s defeat. However, it was Cameroon who struck first again, netting in the seventh minute to momentarily raise concerns of a repeat setback.
Nigeria responded with composure and growing authority.
Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo restored parity in the 32nd minute, rising above her marker to power home a header from a well-delivered cross by Rinsola Babajide. The equaliser settled the Falcons, who began to dictate tempo and press with greater coordination.
Just before the break, the comeback was completed. After a scramble inside the Cameroonian box, Babajide reacted quickest to fire home in the 43rd minute, turning provider into scorer to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead at halftime.
Madugu’s reshaped midfield proved decisive, pressing higher up the pitch, shutting down central channels and forcing the Lionesses into speculative long balls.
The Falcons extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, influential down the right flank, delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Michelle Alozie attacked the ball with conviction, launching into a flying header that made it 3–1 and effectively sealed the contest.
Both sides treated the two-match series as crucial preparation for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
For Nigeria, the emphatic victory not only avenged Saturday’s defeat but also reaffirmed their status as Africa’s benchmark in women’s football heading into the continental showpiece.
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