Casablanca, Morocco – July 7, 2025
Africa’s premier women’s football competition, the 15th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), kicked off over the weekend in Morocco with a showcase of talent, ambition, and history in the making. Defending champions South Africa have landed, tournament favorites Nigeria flexed their muscle with a commanding opening win, and all eyes are on whether a new champion will emerge in a fast-evolving landscape for African women’s football.
Nigeria Open Campaign with Authority
The most decorated side in the tournament’s history, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, began their campaign with a decisive 3–0 win over Tunisia at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Sunday. Star forward Asisat Oshoala made her intentions clear just four minutes in, powering home a header from an Omorinsola Babajide cross. The early goal set the tone for a game dominated by the Super Falcons in every department.
Babajide doubled the lead just before halftime, curling a clinical shot into the bottom corner after slicing through the Tunisian backline. A brief VAR review confirmed the goal, handing Nigeria a 2-0 lead at the break.
Substitutes Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, and Christy Ucheibe injected fresh energy into the second half. In the 84th minute, Ihezuo calmly tapped in a third after clever play by Okoronkwo to seal the Super Falcons’ intent on clinching a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Coach Randy Waldrum praised the team’s depth and focus:
“We started fast and controlled the rhythm. Our mix of experience and youth is what makes this squad so dangerous. But it’s only the beginning.”
Oshoala, the former African Player of the Year, also emphasized team unity:
“It’s not just about scoring. It’s about leading and showing what Nigerian football is all about. We came here to win, but more importantly, to inspire.”
Tournament Returns After 13-Month Delay
Originally slated for 2024, WAFCON 2025 was postponed by over a year to avoid overlapping with the Paris Olympics. The delay disrupted preparation for many teams but also heightened anticipation. According to CAF, the rescheduling provided time to boost prize money—from $975,000 to $2.4 million—marking a major milestone in addressing the gender disparity in African football tournaments.
Sindiswa Mabunda, writing for Forbes Africa, noted:
“The delay forced coaches to recalibrate fitness programs. But it also allowed for new storylines and higher stakes.”
Groups to Watch: Powerhouses and Underdogs
Nigeria, drawn into Group B with Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana, are expected to top the group comfortably. But competition is far from lacking across other groups:
- Group A sees hosts Morocco take on Zambia, Senegal, and DR Congo. The opening match between Morocco and Zambia is set for July 5th at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium. Zambia, powered by Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, are tipped to shake up the tournament.
- Group C features defending champions South Africa, Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania. South Africa’s preparation was hampered by the absence of star striker Thembi Kgatlana, who withdrew due to personal reasons. But coach Desiree Ellis remains focused on tactical discipline and squad depth, emphasizing game management and defensive structure.
“We’re not here just to defend our title. We’re here to grow as a team,” Ellis stated in a pre-tournament interview.
Zambia’s Golden Generation Ready for Takeoff
The Copper Queens of Zambia, fresh from back-to-back Olympic qualifications, boast a squad mixing experience and youth. With Banda and Kundananji forming a lethal attacking duo, Zambia is seen as a serious contender.
Their opening match against Morocco will be closely watched. Coach Nora Häuptle has been preparing the team at the Lanoria Club in Mohammédia, with training sessions intensifying ahead of kick-off.
Beyond Football: A Cultural and Economic Showcase
More than just a tournament, WAFCON 2025 is a showcase of the growing power of African women’s sports. The event’s broadcast reach, expanded sponsorships (including a $1.125 billion extension with TotalEnergies), and grassroots momentum signal a tipping point.
CAF’s commitment to women’s football is not just in prize money. Hosting in Morocco for a second consecutive time reflects confidence in the Kingdom’s infrastructure and dedication to sports diplomacy. New facilities, city upgrades, and tourism-focused campaigns are all tied into the event’s broader economic impact.
Women’s Football on the Rise
With African players like Chiamaka Nnadozie, Linda Motlhalo, and Jermaine Seoposenwe excelling in Europe, Mexico, and the US, scouts and sponsors are paying attention. As CAF Online noted, this year’s WAFCON is a World Cup qualifying pathway, further intensifying competition.
Upcoming Fixtures to Watch
- July 7: South Africa vs Ghana
- July 9: Zambia vs Senegal
- July 11: Nigeria vs Algeria
- July 12: DR Congo vs Morocco
