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WAFCON

With a new trophy, Morocco, the Kingdom of Light, ignites a new WAFCON era

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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.”

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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.”

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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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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

WAFCON

CAF Celebrates Nigeria’s Flawless 1998 Triumph as WAFCON 2024 Countdown Hits Three Days

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With just three days remaining before the kickoff of the 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) maintains its countdown.

They are revisiting some of the tournament’s most iconic moments.

Wednesday’s spotlight highlights Nigeria’s historic and dominant run at the 1998 edition. This campaign was unrivaled and remains one of the most emphatic in WAFCON history.

Hosted on home soil, the 1998 tournament marked the fourth edition of the competition and showcased a Super Falcons team at the peak of their powers.

Under the leadership of standout players such as Florence Omagbemi, Nkiru Okosieme, and goalkeeper Ann Chiejine, Nigeria swept through the tournament without conceding a single goal.

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The Falcons opened their campaign in ruthless fashion, demolishing Morocco 8-0 in their first group match. That result was quickly followed by back-to-back 6-0 victories over DR Congo and Egypt, taking their group stage tally to 20 goals scored and none conceded.

Their momentum continued into the semi-finals where they overwhelmed Cameroon 6-0. In the final against Ghana, the Super Falcons capped off their perfect run with a composed 2-0 win to clinch their fourth consecutive WAFCON title.

“We were on a mission. Playing at home came with pressure, but also motivation. We wanted to show that no one could match us on the continent,” Omagbemi later told the BBC.

Nigeria’s 1998 triumph was not just a display of attacking flair, but also of rare defensive solidity. Across five matches, the team scored 28 goals and maintained five clean sheets—an achievement unmatched in the tournament’s history.

Beyond the statistics, the victory reinforced Nigeria’s football identity: fast, physical, and driven by a mix of individual brilliance and collective cohesion. That 1998 squad laid the foundation for future generations and set a benchmark for African women’s football.

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As the continent prepares for WAFCON 2024 in Morocco, Nigeria’s perfect campaign 26 years ago stands as a powerful reminder of the high standards required at the top level—and the legacy of dominance the Super Falcons continue to uphold amid rising competition.

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WAFCON

“Born Winners” is the Official Slogan for the 2024 Women’s AFCON in Morocco

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the slogan for the upcoming 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco: Born Winners.”

The newly launched tagline captures the pride, strength, and determination of African women who are redefining the football landscape—not only as players but also as coaches, referees, fans, and media professionals.

According to CAF, the slogan is more than a phrase; it’s a powerful statement celebrating the resilience and unwavering spirit of African women who continue to rise above barriers in sport and society.

“Born Winners is a tribute to the trailblazers of African football—those who play, lead, support, and inspire,” CAF said in a statement. “From the streets of Dakar to the stadiums of Johannesburg, African women are rising, relentlessly and fearlessly.”

The 2024 edition of the Women’s AFCON will take place in Morocco, a country that also hosted the last tournament in 2022 to wide acclaim.

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With the new slogan, CAF aims to spotlight not only the competition on the pitch but also the broader movement for gender equality and empowerment in African sport.

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WAFCON 2024 winners to get a new trophy

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The winning team of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will engrave its name in history.

As anticipation builds for the start of the competition in Morocco this weekend, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) is set to unveil a brand-new trophy for the tournament.

The new silverware, designed in collaboration with WAFCON’s title sponsor, TotalEnergies, will be officially launched on Wednesday, July 2, in Morocco. The unveiling is part of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s broader vision to elevate women’s football across the continent.

The launch will take place in two parts: first on CAF’s digital platforms in the afternoon, followed by an exclusive trophy event later in the evening, hosted in partnership with TotalEnergies.

WAFCON Morocco 2024 officially kicks off on Saturday, July 5, with hosts Morocco taking on Zambia at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. The opening match is scheduled for 21h00 local time (20h00 GMT / 22h00 Lusaka / 23h00 Cairo).

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The new trophy symbolizes a fresh era for African women’s football as the tournament continues to grow in stature and visibility across the globe.

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