WAFCON
Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun Headlines Rising Stars Set to Light Up WAFCON 2024
As the countdown begins to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024, a new generation of young talents is preparing to take centre stage. Among them, Nigeria’s dynamic midfielder Deborah Abiodun stands out as one of five rising stars tipped to set the tournament ablaze, with energy, skill, and ambition.
Though still only 21, Abiodun is no stranger to the international spotlight.
Nicknamed “Kanté” for her tireless work rate and all-action midfield style, the Dallas Trinity FC player is quickly becoming a cornerstone of the Super Falcons.
First selected for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup by then-coach Randy Waldrum, her recall by current head coach Justin Madugu for this year’s WAFCON underscores her growing influence in a traditionally experienced Nigerian squad.
A product of the Rivers Angels’ tough, physical footballing school, Abiodun brings more than just energy.
Her ability to anticipate play, direct tempo, and distribute with precision makes her central to Nigeria’s ambitions.
At WAFCON 2024, she will be tasked with breaking down opposition attacks and launching quick transitions—responsibilities she embraces with youthful confidence and composure.
Joining Abiodun in the spotlight are four other young talents from across the continent, each determined to make their mark on the biggest stage for women’s football in Africa.
Comfort Yeboah (18, Defender, Ampem Darkoa – Ghana)
At just 18, Yeboah has already shown the makings of a seasoned leader.
Unveiled during the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League, she impressed as a commanding presence in Ampem Darkoa’s backline.
Equally comfortable defending and initiating play, her ability to take penalties under pressure highlights her calmness and leadership qualities.
In a youthful and ambitious Ghanaian squad, Yeboah could prove to be the defensive lynchpin.
Jessica Modise (19, Forward, Gaborone United – Botswana)
Fast, fearless, and fiercely intelligent on the ball, Modise has emerged as the face of Botswana’s new footballing generation.
With five goals in the WAFCON qualifiers, she’s already shown her ability to lead from the front. Her hybrid role as both scorer and creator makes her one of the tournament’s most unpredictable threats.
Salma Marzouki (17, Midfielder, Banque de l’Habitat – Tunisia)
Though still a teenager, Marzouki is Tunisia’s midfield metronome.
Whether anchoring the midfield or linking up play, her calm demeanour and long-range shooting ability set her apart.
With maturity beyond her years, she will be central to Tunisia’s push to make history at this edition of the tournament.
Ruth Bulala Nossa (21, Midfielder, Sarcelles – DR Congo)
Described as one of the tournament’s best-kept secrets, Nossa was discovered by DR Congo coach Hervé Happy during international scouting efforts.
Now plying her trade in France, she combines tactical intelligence with physical prowess.
Her vision and game control could be decisive in tight contests, especially for a DR Congo side hoping to surprise the continent.
As these five rising stars prepare to step into the spotlight in Morocco, all eyes will be on how they handle the pressure—and perhaps redefine the future of women’s football on the continent. For Nigeria’s Abiodun and her fellow young guns, WAFCON 2024 isn’t just a tournament—it’s an opportunity to lead a generational shift.
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The Confédération of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a new trophy for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024, a powerful symbol of the rise and recognition of women’s football across the African continent.
Drawing direct inspiration from the iconic Men’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy, the new design represents more than a piece of silverware; it is a celebration of equality, unity, and excellence.
The launch of the new trophy forms part of CAF leadership’s goal of developing and growing Women’s Football in Africa and making African Women’s Football amongst the best in the world.
The new trophy was celebrated on Wednesday night at an event hosted by CAF and long-term partner, TotalEnergies in Casablanca, Morocco.
A Design Rooted in Symbolism and Purpose
The trophy’s striking design, features identical petals spiralling upward, each one representing a participating national team. Together, they form the shape of a blooming flower, a timeless symbol of growth, empowerment, and beauty.
This imagery captures the journey of African women’s football and the vibrant strength of its athletes.
Emerging from the heart of this elegant floral form is a golden sphere, patterned subtly as a football. Adorned with a shiny gold map of Africa, the sphere reflects the continent’s ambition, pride, and global impact in the women’s game.
Crafted in brilliant silver and matte gold, the body of the trophy is wrapped in a gold ring engraved with the CAF logo, affirming the confederation’s steadfast commitment to elevating the women’s game across all 54 member associations.
The base, a pristine white marble pedestal with elegant gold-accented stripes, bears the name of the competition in refined matte gold lettering, cementing the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations legacy within the rich tapestry of African sport.
A New Era for Women’s Football in Africa
As the next generation of African stars prepare to shine at the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024, this new trophy will serve as a beacon of aspiration, inspiring millions of young girls across the continent to dream, to believe, and to achieve on the global stage.
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As Morocco, proudly dubbed the “Kingdom of Light,” prepares to host the 2024 edition of WAFCON, the unveiling of the new trophy signals a powerful shift—one that celebrates both the pioneers of the women’s game and those who now dream of etching their names into history.
The new chapter in African women’s football was written in Casablanca on Wednesday as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the new trophy for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), ahead of the 2024 tournament kick-off in Morocco.
In a dazzling ceremony held at the luxurious Hotel Casablanca, football icons, dignitaries, and stakeholders gathered to witness the symbolic launch of a new era—marked by the presentation of a modern, gold-accented trophy that CAF describes as both “a reflection of the struggle” and “a celebration of triumph.”
The event was graced by several prominent figures in African women’s football, including former South African captain and current TV consultant Amanda Dlamini, Cameroonian international Ajara Njoya, and Lamia Boumehdi, coach of TP Mazembe and the first African woman to lead a team to victory in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Dlamini reflected on the evolution of the game, saying: “When I started, we played to exist. Today, young people play to win. This trophy is the symbol of that transition. The dream continues—but now it is within reach.”
For Ajara Njoya, the new trophy represents not just a prize, but progress. “This is an evolution. The vision CAF is bringing today is excellent for women’s football. I remember the resistance I faced when I started. Today, parents are encouraging their daughters to play,” she said.
The design of the trophy combines modern aesthetics with African heritage, featuring smooth curves symbolizing collective momentum and a golden finish that evokes excellence.
The presentation was met with a wave of emotion in the room—celebratory smiles mixed with reflective silence, as attendees recognized the deeper meaning of the moment.
CAF describes the trophy as a lasting symbol—not just of victory, but of the enduring fight for recognition that African women in football have waged for decades.
“This is more than a cup,” said Lamia Boumehdi. “It is a symbol. A recognition—and a responsibility. We must rise to the occasion.”
TotalEnergies, the title sponsor of the competition, reaffirmed its commitment to women’s football through its partnership with CAF.
“This trophy is the result of a long-standing commitment,” said Abdesslam Rhnimi, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Morocco. “At TotalEnergies, we believe in the transformative power of women’s football. This is not just about branding—it’s about building a platform for African ambition, expression, and pride.”
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With just three days remaining before the kickoff of the 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) maintains its countdown.
They are revisiting some of the tournament’s most iconic moments.
Wednesday’s spotlight highlights Nigeria’s historic and dominant run at the 1998 edition. This campaign was unrivaled and remains one of the most emphatic in WAFCON history.
Hosted on home soil, the 1998 tournament marked the fourth edition of the competition and showcased a Super Falcons team at the peak of their powers.
Under the leadership of standout players such as Florence Omagbemi, Nkiru Okosieme, and goalkeeper Ann Chiejine, Nigeria swept through the tournament without conceding a single goal.
The Falcons opened their campaign in ruthless fashion, demolishing Morocco 8-0 in their first group match. That result was quickly followed by back-to-back 6-0 victories over DR Congo and Egypt, taking their group stage tally to 20 goals scored and none conceded.
Their momentum continued into the semi-finals where they overwhelmed Cameroon 6-0. In the final against Ghana, the Super Falcons capped off their perfect run with a composed 2-0 win to clinch their fourth consecutive WAFCON title.
“We were on a mission. Playing at home came with pressure, but also motivation. We wanted to show that no one could match us on the continent,” Omagbemi later told the BBC.
Nigeria’s 1998 triumph was not just a display of attacking flair, but also of rare defensive solidity. Across five matches, the team scored 28 goals and maintained five clean sheets—an achievement unmatched in the tournament’s history.
Beyond the statistics, the victory reinforced Nigeria’s football identity: fast, physical, and driven by a mix of individual brilliance and collective cohesion. That 1998 squad laid the foundation for future generations and set a benchmark for African women’s football.
As the continent prepares for WAFCON 2024 in Morocco, Nigeria’s perfect campaign 26 years ago stands as a powerful reminder of the high standards required at the top level—and the legacy of dominance the Super Falcons continue to uphold amid rising competition.
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