When Morocco was awarded the right to host the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the expectations were enormous.
The North African nation had dazzled the continent in the 2022 edition, breaking attendance records and setting a new bar for women’s football hospitality.
Three years later, the return of the competition to Moroccan soil was marked by breathtaking moments, increased prize money, and bold performances.
But it also exposed significant flaws, from empty stadiums to disturbing scenes of gamesmanship.
Here’s a closer look at the highs and lows of the tournament that crowned Nigeria champions for a record 10th time.
The highs
Uplift in quality football
One of the most obvious positives from WAFCON 2024 was the quality of football on display.
From tactical discipline to improved technical execution, teams came prepared. Nigeria’s thrilling comeback against Morocco in the final, Ghana’s slick attacking play in the group stage, and Morocco’s midfield dominance showed that African women’s football is evolving rapidly.
Several players emerged as genuine stars, including Nigeria’s Esther Okoronkwo, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak, and Ghana’s Grace Asantewaa, delivering performances that would not look out of place on any global stage.
Increase in prize money
In what was perhaps the most significant off-the-pitch development, CAF announced a historic increase in prize money for the tournament.
The total prize pool for WAFCON 2024 was raised by 45 percent, bringing it to a record-setting 3.475 million US dollars.
Most notably, the winner’s prize was doubled, up from 500,000 dollars in 2022 to 1 million dollars this year.
The runners-up took home 500,000 dollars, while the third-placed team earned 350,000 dollars and the fourth-placed side received 300,000.
Each of the four quarter-finalists walked away with 200,000 dollars. Even group-stage finishers were rewarded: teams that finished third in their groups received 150,000 dollars each, and the fourth-placed teams got 125,000 dollars apiece.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe said the increase was part of the confederation’s long-term commitment to making women’s football across Africa more competitive, sustainable, and financially rewarding for players, coaches, and federations.
Expanded global reach
CAF also secured wider broadcast partnerships, making the games more accessible across the continent and beyond.
Fans from Accra, Abuja, London were able to stream or watch matches in real-time, a shift that strengthened visibility and drew in sponsors.
The lows: attendance and empty stadiums
Despite the raised standards on the pitch, the tournament struggled with visibly low attendance.
Several group-stage matches were played in near-empty stadiums, a far cry from the electric atmosphere of WAFCON 2022.
Even some knockout games lacked the energy expected at this level. Experts blamed poor local promotion, scheduling conflicts, and the use of oversized venues that made even decent crowds look sparse on camera.
Laser incidents
In one of the more alarming moments of the tournament, laser lights were aimed at Ghana’s and Nigeria’s players during the final and semi-final against Morocco, respectively.
The lasers were visible during key moments, including throw-ins, free-kicks, and penalties, in what many believe was a deliberate attempt to distract opponents.
The incident drew widespread condemnation, with many calling for stricter security protocols and harsher sanctions for such unsporting behaviour.
CAF has yet to formally address the matter, but pressure is mounting for the governing body to investigate the incident and ensure such tactics are not repeated in future competitions.
WAFCON 2024 will be remembered for both its groundbreaking steps forward and the issues that still hold the women’s game back on the continent.
Nigeria’s triumph after a gritty campaign reinforced their dominance, while Morocco proved their run to the 2022 final was no fluke. On the individual front,
new stars were born, and prize money soared to unprecedented levels.
But the lack of packed stadiums, fan engagement, and incidents like the laser targeting serve as a wake-up call for CAF and local organisers.
FKA/MA
Meanwhile, watch as Prophet Worlasi shares bombshell prophesies on Bawumia and NPP on The Lowdown:
