CAF Doubles WAFCON Champions’ Prize to $2 Million as Investment in Women’s Football Grows

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a major increase in the prize money for the winner of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with the next champions set to receive $2 million.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe unveiled the new prize package during a press conference on Wednesday, saying the decision reflects the organisation’s commitment to advancing women’s football across Africa.

According to Motsepe, the latest increase marks the third significant adjustment to WAFCON prize money in the past three years, underscoring CAF’s determination to enhance the profile of the competition while providing greater financial rewards for participating teams.

The governing body said the increased prize fund is aimed at boosting the competitiveness of the tournament, attracting more investment into the women’s game, and creating better opportunities for players and national teams across the continent.

Motsepe reaffirmed that developing women’s football remains a top priority for CAF, adding that sustained investment is essential to raising standards and expanding opportunities for football stakeholders in Africa.

The upcoming WAFCON is expected to feature some of Africa’s strongest women’s national teams, including defending champions Nigeria, as well as Morocco, South Africa, Zambia, Ghana, Cameroon, and other contenders competing for continental glory.

Meanwhile, CAF is also preparing for the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in August. The tournament will be a landmark occasion, marking the first time in decades that East Africa hosts the continent’s premier men’s football competition.

CAF says expanding major tournaments to different regions remains part of its long-term strategy to improve football infrastructure, enhance tournament organisation, and deliver a better experience for fans.

With increased financial incentives for WAFCON and preparations underway for AFCON in East Africa, CAF believes its ongoing investments will strengthen African football and create greater value for players, teams, and supporters alike.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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