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 Falconets will discover their opponents for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup when the official draw is conducted in Łódź, Poland, on May 15, as preparations intensify for another campaign on the global stage.
The draw ceremony, confirmed by football’s world governing body, FIFA, will take place in one of the tournament’s host cities and will be broadcast live worldwide on FIFA+, YouTube and TikTok.
Nigeria, one of the most successful nations in the history of the competition, heads into the draw with renewed ambition after securing qualification for the tournament, which will run from September 5 to 27 across the Polish cities of Bielsko-Biała, Katowice, Łódź and Sosnowiec.
The Falconets remain one of Africa’s strongest representatives at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, having reached the final twice in the competition’s history. The Nigerian side will now await the outcome of the draw to know their group-stage opponents among the 24 qualified teams expected to battle for the title.
Former Polish international and current women’s national team coach Nina Patalon and French football legend Laura Georges will participate in the ceremony, underscoring the growing profile of women’s football globally.
Speaking ahead of the event, Patalon described the draw as a defining moment for both participating teams and supporters.
“The draw always brings a special sense of excitement, as it is the moment when the competition truly starts to feel real for both the teams and the fans,” she said.
She also highlighted the importance of hosting the tournament in Poland, noting that it could inspire more young girls to embrace football and further accelerate the development of the women’s game in the country.
The 12th edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is expected to showcase some of the brightest emerging talents in women’s football, with Nigeria’s Falconets aiming to make another strong impression on the world stage
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Alongside the USA and Brazil, Nigeria will head to Poland as one of only three nations to have appeared at every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
As of Saturday night, only Nigeria and Nigeria women’s national under-20 football team and Ghana women’s national under-20 football team have secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after overcoming Malawi and Uganda, respectively, in the final round of African qualifiers.
Nigeria maintained their remarkable record of appearing at every edition of the global tournament, joining the United States and Brazil as the only nations to achieve the feat.
The Falconets were pushed to the limit by Malawi in Lilongwe after carrying a 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Ikenne. Malawi made a dream start when Faith Chinzimu scored from a set-piece in the eighth minute to ignite hopes of a comeback.
Nigeria struggled to reproduce the dominance they displayed at home, and the tie swung dramatically in the hosts’ favour in the 57th minute when Chinzimu completed her brace after breaking down the left flank before calmly finishing past the Nigerian goalkeeper.
At 2-0 on the day, the aggregate score was level, and the Falconets were suddenly under severe pressure. However, Malawi captain Leticia Chinyamula made a costly error that allowed substitute Oscar Precious to seize possession, drive into the penalty area and fire home the decisive goal for Nigeria.
The strike restored Nigeria’s aggregate lead and effectively ended Malawi’s hopes, as the Falconets held on to secure passage to Poland despite the 2-1 defeat on the day.
Coach Moses Aduku’s side will now prepare for another appearance at the world finals, where Nigeria remain one of the competition’s most consistent teams.
Ghana also survived a tense encounter to qualify for their eighth consecutive FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The Black Princesses travelled to Kampala holding a narrow 2-1 first-leg advantage over Uganda. Still, the hosts drew level on aggregate through a moment of brilliance from Sylvia Kabene, whose powerful strike from the left wing flew into the top corner beyond goalkeeper Belinda Maku.
Combined with Agnes Nabukenya’s away goal in the first leg, Uganda briefly looked set to progress.
But Ghana responded strongly after the break despite being reduced to 10 players. Captain Linda Owusu Ansah proved the hero, curling a superb set-piece from near the corner flag directly into the far top corner to send the Black Princesses through.
While Nigeria will continue their ever-present run at the tournament, Ghana will be hoping to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their history when the competition kicks off in September.
The remaining African qualification spots will be decided on Sunday when Tanzania face Cameroon, and Benin take on Côte d’Ivoire in the final return-leg matches.
The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 will take place from September 5 to 27 across four host cities
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Nigeria’s U-20 girls, the Falconets, are on the verge of extending their remarkable record of appearing at every edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 2002.
The Falconets will face Malawi on Saturday at the Bingu National Stadium in the second leg of the final qualifying round for the Poland 2026 tournament, carrying a 2-0 advantage from the first leg played in Ikenne-Remo last weekend.
Nigeria have featured at every edition of the competition, beginning with the inaugural tournament in Canada in 2002 when it was still a U-19 championship. The Falconets also competed in Thailand 2004 before the tournament was upgraded to the U-20 level ahead of the 2006 finals in Russia.
Since then, the Nigerian girls have remained ever-present at the global championship, appearing in Chile 2008, Germany 2010, Japan 2012, Canada 2014, Papua New Guinea 2016, France 2018, Costa Rica 2022 and Colombia 2024.
The Falconets’ best performances came when they finished runners-up at Germany 2010 and Canada 2014, while they reached the semi-finals in Japan 2012.
Head coach Moses Aduku expressed confidence ahead of Saturday’s decisive clash.
“We are here to play and to win. The players understand the importance of this match, and we are fully prepared mentally, tactically, and physically for the challenge ahead,” Aduku said during Friday’s pre-match press conference.
Nigeria swept past Rwanda and Senegal in earlier qualifying rounds and are now aiming to complete the job against Malawi to seal another World Cup appearance.
Kick-off for Saturday’s encounter is scheduled for 3:00 pm Malawi time (2:00 pm Nigeria time).
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