African women’s football soars with $1m WAFCON prize
Africa’s premier women’s football tournament received a record-breaking prize pool, signalling a ground-breaking new chapter for women’s football on the continent.
Morocco.- The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) just turned up the heat by doubling the winner’s prize to an impressive $1m. This substantial payout is a clear sign that women’s football in Africa is stepping into the big leagues.
In a landmark move, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) signalled its strongest commitment yet to the women’s game as the competition launched in Morocco on July 5.
The grand prize of $1m is double the amount that was awarded in 2022. CAF has also boosted the total prize pool by 45 per cent, raising it to a record $3.47m
CAF is continuing with its commitment to the development and growth of women’s football in Africa, according to CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
“The 100 per cent increase in the prize money of the winner of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON tournament and the 45 per cent total increase in the prize money of this competition should contribute to the increase in the salaries of women football players, coaches and employees,” he said, according to Soccer Laduma.
Progress and pay checks in play
For Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the most decorated team in the tournament’s history, this is a moment of long overdue validation. With nine titles already under their belt, they have kicked off the WAFCON tournament in commanding fashion, defeating Tunisia 3-0 in Casablanca.
This financial overhaul sends a clear message to all players and fans alike that African women’s football is no longer trailing behind and is now setting the pace.
This year’s prize money is really grabbing attention. The runner-up will walk away with $500,000, while third and fourth place take home $350,000 and $300,000 each.
Quarter-finalists aren’t left behind; they’ll earn $200,000 each. Even teams that don’t make it past the group stage still get a prize of $150,000 for third place and $125,000 for fourth.
CAF’s bold financial move follows a wave of global change. In 2023, FIFA introduced direct payments for women’s World Cup players to protect earnings and boost transparency.
This is more than a prize increase. It is a promise that African women’s football is ready to thrive, no longer side lined and no longer underestimated.
