WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
CAF names Nigerians among women who shaped history of football
SUMMARY
- Rita Nwadike is first African scorer at Women’s World Cup
- Zambia’s Barbra Banda scored the 1,000th goal in Women’s World Cup history
- Racheal Kundananji of Zambia became the most expensive African female footballer ever after joining Bay FC in the NWSL for $865,000 in 2024
They have carved their names into the history of both African and world football, each in their unique way. Whether as players, administrators, referees, or business leaders, these pioneers have broken barriers, defied stereotypes, and inspired future generations.
Through talent, determination, and leadership, they have helped redefine the role of women in football, paving the way for greater equality in a sport still largely dominated by men.
Queens of the Pitch
Rita Nwadike is first African scorer at Women’s World Cup
African female footballers have come a long way since the first-ever goal scored by an African woman at a FIFA Women’s World Cup. In 1995, during the tournament in Sweden, Nigeria’s Rita Nwadike made history by surprising the Canadian defense with a deep run before finishing with a goal that drew inspiration from her legendary compatriot Rashidi Yekini.
Since then, African women have continued to shine on the global stage. Asisat Oshoala lit up the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a stunning goal against South Korea, while Ajara Njoya Nchout of Cameroon scored a dramatic last-minute winner against New Zealand: “That day, we proved that we are Lionesses. When I received the ball, I knew it was our last chance. If I missed, the match was over. I took my time, dribbled the defender, and struck towards the far post. If you panic under pressure, you miss. You have to stay calm and control the ball,” Nchout said after the match.
African female footballers continue to make history. In 2023, Zambia’s Barbra Banda scored the 1,000th goal in Women’s World Cup history with a penalty against Costa Rica, cementing her legacy.
Meanwhile, her compatriot Racheal Kundananji became the most expensive African female footballer ever after joining Bay FC in the NWSL for $865,000 in 2024. However, this record was soon shattered by Ethiopian-American star Naomi Girma, who transferred from San Diego Wave to Chelsea in 2025 for $1.1 million.
Beyond their on-field performances, these women continue to redefine football’s cultural and social landscape. In 2023, Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina became the first hijab-wearing player to compete at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, a historic moment that symbolized greater diversity and inclusion in football.
“Years of hard work have led to this moment, and the result has been overwhelmingly positive,” she told Al Jazeera before the tournament. Her presence on the world stage demonstrated that faith and football can coexist harmoniously, inspiring countless young girls across Africa and beyond.
Trailblazing Women in Refereeing
If there is one authority on the pitch, it is the referee—and African women are breaking barriers in this field as well. Salima Mukansanga, from Rwanda, has established herself as a leading referee on the continent.
In 2022, she made history by becoming the first woman to officiate a CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match, taking charge of the game between Zimbabwe and Guinea. Her influence extended globally when she was selected as one of only three female referees—alongside Stéphanie Frappart (France) and Yoshimi Yamashita (Japan)—to officiate at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where she was part of the 36 referees chosen by FIFA.
Women Leading Football
Another major force in football administration is Fatma Samoura, who made history as the first woman and first non-European to serve as FIFA Secretary General. During her seven-year tenure, she was instrumental in developing women’s football worldwide.
“My experience in conflict zones with the United Nations showed me the power of football in changing lives, especially for women and young girls. This is why I am proud of the progress made in women’s football,” Samoura once said.
Meanwhile, Khadija Timera, a lawyer and former boxer, is championing African players’ rights at FIFPRO, the world’s largest footballers’ union. As the first African woman to join FIFPRO’s Executive Committee, the Senegalese professional is pushing for better conditions and career opportunities for African footballers.
“I want to connect with people who share the same goals—those who want to leave a legacy and make a real difference, not only for footballers but also for the African community. Opening doors for future generations is my mission,” she declared.
Game-Changers in Football Business
Some women have mastered the business side of football, influencing the sport far beyond the field. Jessica Motaung is one such figure. The former beauty queen has become a key leader in African football, serving as Marketing Director and Board Member of Kaizer Chiefs, one of South Africa’s most successful clubs.
Her involvement with the SAFA Women’s Football Committee and her position as Vice President of the African Clubs Association highlight her dedication to empowering women in football and driving meaningful change.
In a groundbreaking move, Tems, the Grammy-winning Nigerian artist, made history in 2023 as the first African woman to own a professional football club in the United States. Under her full name, Temilade Openiyi, she became a co-owner of San Diego FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) club.
A Lasting Legacy
These remarkable women are not just shaping football—they are rewriting its rules and breaking new ground. Through determination, resilience, and vision, they are paving the way for future generations and ensuring that African football continues to flourish on the global stage.
Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that football is for everyone—and that the future of the sport will be shaped by talent, passion, and leadership, regardless of gender.
-CAF
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Nigeria’s Under-21 women’s team Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has unveiled a final squad of 21 players that will represent Nigeria at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup taking place in Morocco from 17 October to 8 November.
The list features a blend of exciting new talents and returning performers, including attacking midfielder Shakirat Moshood, goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, defender Jumai Adebayo, and forward Queen Joseph.
The Flamingos, who arrived in Casablanca on Wednesday for the final phase of preparations, are aiming to surpass their historic bronze-medal finish at the last edition of the tournament in India (2022).
Olowookere, who guided that 2022 squad to third place — Nigeria’s best-ever finish at the competition — expressed confidence that the current team has what it takes to go even further this time around.
“This group has shown great commitment and hunger,” he said. “Our goal is to build on the achievements of 2022 and challenge for the ultimate prize in Morocco.”
Also named in the final roster are goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface, defenders Azeezat Oduntan and Christiana Sunday, midfielders Muinat Rotimi and Zainab Raji, and forwards Chisom Nwachukwu and Mariam Yahaya.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group D, where they will face Canada, France, and Samoa. The Flamingos will open their campaign against Canada on Sunday, 19 October, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. (Nigerian time) at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) in Sale.
Three days later, they will tackle France at the same kickoff time on Pitch 1, before wrapping up their group stage fixtures against Samoa on 25 October at 5 p.m. on Pitch 3 of the same venue.
The FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 will feature 16 teams competing across multiple cities, as the tournament returns to Africa for the first time in its history.
21 FLAMINGOS FOR 2025 FIFA U17 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FINALS
Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens)
Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Rivers Angels); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99); Fatimoh Shuaib (Nasarawa Amazons)
Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Shavih Istifanus (Youth Arise Academy); Zainab Raji (Dannaz FC); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC)
Forwards: Kaosarat Olanrewaju (Ayishat Yusuf Academy, Lagos); Mariam Yahaya (FC Robo); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Tabitha Terlumu (Braavos, Edo); Precious Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels)
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The Nigeria U17 Women’s National Team, Flamingos, arrived safely in Morocco on Wednesday, ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The team departed Abuja early Wednesday morning at 7:18 a.m. aboard a Royal Air Maroc flight and landed in Casablanca at 11:28 a.m. Nigeria time.
On arrival at the Mohammed V International Airport, the girls were greeted with an unexpected but inspiring moment as they ran into former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, who was en route to France.
The ex-international took a few moments to speak with the players, urging them to stay disciplined, focused, and to represent Nigeria with pride and unity at the global showpiece. His words were met with smiles and applause from both players and officials.
The Flamingos have since settled into their base at the Ibis Hotel in Casablanca, where they will spend the next few days fine-tuning their preparations before heading to Rabat for the tournament proper.
The team’s spirit was high upon arrival, with several players expressing excitement at the opportunity to don Nigeria’s colors on the world stage once again.
The 2022 World Cup bronze medallists held a light training session on Wednesday evening to help the players recover from jet-lag and get used to the Moroccan weather conditions. The session focused primarily on recovery, ball movement, and coordination drills.
Nigeria is drawn in Group D of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, alongside Canada, France, and Samoa, with their opening match scheduled for Sunday, October 19. The Flamingos head into the tournament full of confidence, having played ten preparatory matches, scoring 44 goals without conceding.
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WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Flamingos Set for Morocco 2025 as Nigeria’s U-17s Depart Abuja for Final World Cup Preparations
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will depart Abuja in the early hours of Wednesday, October 8, as they begin the final leg of preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place in Morocco.
The team will travel aboard Royal Air Maroc to Casablanca, Morocco’s industrial and economic hub, where they will set up camp ahead of the tournament.
During their stay in Casablanca, the Flamingos will step up their build-up programme with two high-profile international friendlies — first against New Zealand on October 10, and then Paraguay on October 14.
Following their training camp, the team will move into the official FIFA hotel in Rabat on October 15, joining other participating nations as the countdown begins to the global showpiece.
Drawn in Group D, Nigeria will face Canada, France, and Samoa in what promises to be a competitive group. The Flamingos will begin their campaign against Canada on Sunday, October 19, before locking horns with France three days later.
Both matches will be played at the Football Academy Mohammed VI in Sale, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. Nigerian time. Their final group match comes against Samoa on October 25, starting at 5 p.m., also in Sale.
Head Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side heads into the tournament brimming with confidence after a remarkable build-up.
The Flamingos have played 10 tune-up games, scoring an impressive 44 goals without conceding any, a record that highlights their attacking prowess and defensive discipline.
Olowookere has expressed optimism about his team’s readiness, noting that the squad’s balance and form give them belief they can surpass their quarter-final finish at the last edition in the Dominican Republic.
With a perfect preparation run and growing momentum, the Flamingos will be aiming to make history in Morocco and bring pride to Nigerian women’s football once again.
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