The 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) concluded with Nigeria securing a record-extending 10th title, overcoming Morocco in a thrilling final. This tournament not only showcased the growing competitiveness of women's football in Africa but also highlighted several critical issues that need addressing to further develop the sport.

Attendance and Media Coverage

Despite the excitement on the pitch, the tournament faced challenges with attendance and media coverage. South Africa coach Desiree Ellis criticized the scheduling conflicts with the 2025 European Championship, which limited international exposure. While Morocco's games drew large crowds, other matches saw disappointingly low attendance, partly due to limited local promotion and the high costs of travel across the continent.

Competitive Standards

On the field, the tournament saw an improved level of play. Algeria made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time, and Senegal pushed South Africa to penalties in the quarterfinals. However, the disparity in team rankings was evident, with the four lowest-ranked teams exiting early. CAF is considering expanding the tournament and reinforcing domestic leagues to bridge this gap.

Gender Pay Gap

A significant issue that remains is the gender pay gap. Despite CAF doubling the prize money for Wafcon 2024, the $1 million awarded to Nigeria pales in comparison to the $7 million Ivory Coast received for winning the men's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. This disparity extends to club wages, where female players earn significantly less than their male counterparts.

Investment and Future Prospects

Investment in women's football is crucial for its growth. Morocco leads in this area, with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation providing financial support to its women's league. However, other nations rely heavily on prize money and distributions from CAF and FIFA. Improved broadcast deals and commercial contracts could provide additional revenue streams, essential for the sport's development.

As we look forward to the 2026 Wafcon, it is clear that while progress has been made, much work remains to elevate women's football in Africa to its full potential.