The 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which kicked off on Saturday, July 5, is making global waves, attracting record crowds and increased prize money, reflecting a significant shift in African women’s football. This year’s tournament marks a turning point, moving past previous challenges of funding gaps and pay disputes that often overshadowed its male counterpart.
Increased Prize Money and CAF’s Commitment
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a staggering $3.475 million in prize money for this edition, representing a 45 percent increase from previous tournaments. The eventual winners will now receive $1 million, doubling the last figure, while the runners-up will take home $500,000.
Third and fourth-place teams will receive $350,000 and $300,000, respectively. Even quarter-finalists will earn $200,000 each, with group-stage participants also receiving significant payouts.
Patrice Motsepe, CAF President, underscored the broader significance of the tournament during the opening ceremony in Rabat: “This tournament is not just about football. It is about visibility, legitimacy, and economic inclusion for African women in sports. The new trophy reflects not only triumph but the long struggle to be seen.”
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He further emphasised CAF’s ongoing commitment: “CAF is continuing with its commitment to the development and growth of women’s football in Africa. The 100% increase in the prize money of the winner and the 45 percent total increase should contribute to the increase of the salaries of women’s football players, coaches and employees.
“The quality and standard of women’s football in Africa is consistently improving. We are excited about the substantial increase in the number of fans, broadcasting viewers and sponsors. This competition is going to be enormously successful.”
This financial boost is accompanied by impressive growth statistics: more than 150,000 female players are now registered across the continent, alongside nearly 8,000 registered female referees.
Fans Flock to Stadiums and Public Viewings
The 2025 WAFCON is witnessing unprecedented fan engagement. Crowds in host cities Casablanca and Rabat have matched the vibrant energy typically seen at men’s tournaments, filling stadiums with enthusiastic chants, flags, and face paint.
“I’ve never seen this many families attending a football match together,” remarked Fatima Zahra, a fan who travelled from Fez for the opening match. “This feels like our game now.” Public screening venues in Lusaka have also drawn thousands, demonstrating widespread interest beyond the host nation.
“When Banda scores, the entire neighbourhood erupts,” said 22-year-old fan Nchimunya Mulenga, highlighting the inspiring impact of players like Zambia’s Barbra Banda. “She’s more than an athlete; she’s a beacon.”
Super Falcons Fly Into Quarter-finals
On the pitch, Nigeria’s Super Falcons continued their march toward a 10th continental crown with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Botswana in Casablanca on Thursday night. Chinwendu Ihezuo, who also scored in the 3-0 victory over Tunisia, struck again in the 89th minute, this time finishing a brilliant pass from Esther Okoronkwo.
The result sees the Falcons qualify for the quarter-finals with a game to spare, further cementing their status as the most successful team in WAFCON history. Despite facing unresolved pay disputes at home, the Super Falcons are competing with added visibility and fan support.
CAF’s Broader Commitments
CAF’s support is backed by TotalEnergies and substantial infrastructure investments, including Morocco’s $65 million King Mohammed VI Complex, considered one of the continent’s best training facilities.
As part of long-term reforms, CAF plans to alternate men’s and women’s tournament hosting annually, ensuring consistent exposure. Initiatives are also in place to launch a Women’s U-17 African Championship and an expanded CAF Women’s Champions League.
“We’re still far from equality,” said Moroccan striker Ibtissam Jraidi, “but moments like this reshape the narrative. It’s no longer about whether women belong in African football. We are here. We are the future.”
Read also: WAFCON: Super Falcons begin title hunt with 3-0 win over Tunisia
Prize Money Breakdown – 2025 WAFCON:
Winners: $1,000,000
Runners-up: $500,000
Third place: $350,000
Fourth place: $300,000
Quarter-finalists (4 teams): $200,000 each
3rd in Group Stage: $150,000 each
4th in Group Stage (3 teams): $125,000 each
Total Prize Pool: $3.475 million
