BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched an investigation into the Algerian women’s national football team over alleged breaches of its statutes and regulations at the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

CAF confirmed the development in a statement released ahead of Algeria’s final Group B fixture against Nigeria on Sunday. While the governing body did not disclose specific details of the allegations, it stated that it “will not make any further comment on this matter until the procedure has been completed.”

The probe follows mounting concerns that Algeria has allowed political tensions with host country Morocco to spill into the sporting arena, undermining the neutrality and unity expected in continental competitions.

Earlier reports from Sports Village Square had flagged signs of politicisation of the tournament by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), including actions widely perceived as deliberate efforts to sideline or erase the identity of the host nation.

Key flashpoints include the refusal of the Algerian team to participate in the traditional pre-match group photo when playing against Morocco, a gesture interpreted as a snub to the host country. Additionally, the FAF circulated a modified version of the official WAFCON tournament logo that omitted Morocco’s name and visual identity as host.

In an apparent extension of this posture, Algerian officials reportedly blocked all communication and promotional materials that contained the word “Morocco,” escalating what many observers view as a politicisation of a tournament meant to celebrate African unity through sport.

Background to the Dispute

The friction between Algeria and Morocco has deep historical and geopolitical roots, particularly surrounding the status of Western Sahara. Algeria has long supported the Polisario Front, a movement seeking independence for Western Sahara, a territory largely administered by Morocco. These tensions have led to periodic diplomatic breakdowns and have increasingly found expression in sporting contexts.

CAF has traditionally enforced strict rules against the infusion of political agendas into football competitions. The latest developments mark a test of the body’s resolve to maintain that stance amid rising regional tensions.

As Algeria prepares to face Nigeria in a crucial final group match, the outcome of CAF’s investigation could have significant implications not only for the team’s future in the competition but also for broader questions around the role of politics in African football.

Related story: https://www.sportsvillagesquare.com/2025/07/09/tensions-flare-as-algeria-politicizes-2025-womens-afcon-in-morocco/

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are already assured of USD 200,000 in prize money following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Botswana on Thursday night in Casablanca, Morocco, in the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024.

By the prevailing exchange rate, Super Falcons’ current earning is N305,428,000.

The slim win, powered by a late strike, ensured that the Falcons became the first team to book a place in the quarterfinals, with one group match still to play. The result also makes Nigeria the only team so far with back-to-back wins in the group stage.

Under the newly enhanced prize structure announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), each of the four quarterfinalists is guaranteed at least $200,000. This financial boost underscores CAF’s commitment to raising the stakes and rewarding performance in women’s football across Africa.

Should the Super Falcons progress beyond the quarter-finals but fall short of the final, they stand to earn an additional $150,000 as semi-finalists who finish third. However, if they reach the final and end as runners-up, their prize money will increase significantly to $500,000.

Nigeria, however, has its sights firmly set on the ultimate prize. Victory in the final would see the nine-time champions take home a record-breaking $1 million—a testament to their ambition and status as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.

CAF’s new reward structure also ensures that other teams are not left empty-handed. Third-placed teams in each of the three groups will receive $150,000 each, while bottom-placed teams will be awarded $125,000 apiece.

As the tournament progresses, the financial incentives are adding another layer of competition, ensuring that every match counts—on the pitch and the balance sheet.

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As the group stage of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) progresses, the battle for the coveted Golden Boot is heating up with familiar names and emerging talents lighting up the scoring charts.

Nigeria’s Chinwendu Ihezuo added to her tally with a second goal in the tournament, firmly placing herself among the early contenders for the Top Scorer award. With the Super Falcons eyeing another deep run, Ihezuo’s consistent form could prove decisive.

However, the spotlight currently shines brightest on Morocco’s captain and talisman, Ghizlane Chebbak, who has picked up where she left off in the previous edition. The 34-year-old, who was both the Best Player and Top Scorer in 2022, has already netted four goals in two games, accounting for the majority of the Atlas Lionesses’ six goals so far. Her sharp instincts and composed finishing make her the frontrunner in the Golden Boot race.

Chebbak shares the top spot with Nguenar Ndiaye of Senegal, who has also scored four times, courtesy of two braces—against DR Congo and Zambia. The 30-year-old forward has showcased her knack for rising to big occasions, reinforcing her reputation as one of Senegal’s most dependable attacking weapons.

Zambia’s star striker Barbra Banda has made her usual explosive entrance, opening the tournament with a goal and following it up with a brace against Senegal. Her three goals put her in close pursuit of the leaders, as she aims to replicate her goal-scoring heroics from previous continental and global outings.

Not far behind are Racheal Kundananji of Zambia and Mama Diop of Senegal, both with two goals apiece. Kundananji’s blistering pace and powerful strikes have been crucial for Zambia, while Diop’s aerial prowess and intelligent positioning have helped maintain Senegal’s attacking edge.

Veteran names continue to make an impact, underlining the value of experience at the tournament. Alongside Chebbak and Ndiaye, Diop (30), Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala (30), and Algeria’s Ghoutia Karchouni (30) have all registered goals, proving that age is not a barrier to excellence. These seasoned campaigners bring leadership and composure, attributes that often prove decisive in tightly contested matches.

The resurgence of players like Jermaine Seoposenwe of South Africa, who scored a memorable opening goal in the 2022 edition against Nigeria, further reflects the enduring influence of experienced stars at WAFCON.

With the final round of group matches set to unfold, the race for the Golden Boot is far from settled. As the knockout stages loom, the battle among Chebbak, Ndiaye, Banda, Ihezuo, and others promises to intensify, setting the stage for a thrilling climax to the tournament’s honours.

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