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

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe said the new financial package reflects the governing body’s growing commitment to developing women’s football across the continent.

The winners’ prize has been increased by 100 per cent, while the tournament’s overall prize fund has risen by 67 percent, from $3.475 million to $5.8 million.

The runners-up will now receive $750,000, representing a 50 per cent increase, while the prize for the third-placed team has also been raised by 43 per cent.

In another major boost, each of the 16 participating national teams will receive $150,000 in participation funding, up from $125,000 in the previous edition.

CAF noted that since the current administration assumed office, the winners’ prize has grown by an extraordinary 900 per cent, rising from $200,000 to $2 million, while the overall prize fund has increased by 495 per cent, from $975,000 to $5.8 million.

The governing body also highlighted the expansion of the tournament itself, with the number of participating teams doubling from eight to sixteen.

CAF believes the enhanced financial incentives will contribute significantly to raising the standard and competitiveness of women’s football across Africa.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

The Super Falcons’ camp for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco received another boost on Tuesday with the arrival of forward Folashade Ijamilusi, taking the number of players in camp to 23.

Ijamilusi, who plies her trade with Chinese club Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, landed in Casablanca shortly before 3 p.m. and immediately joined the squad at the Hotel Marriott as preparations intensified for the continental championship.

The former Nigeria youth international will be looking to make another significant impact after her memorable outing at the previous edition of the tournament. She scored twice during the competition, including the Super Falcons’ crucial equaliser in the dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the final.

However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is still awaiting the arrival of midfielder Deborah Abiodun and forward Gift Monday after both players were stranded in the United States following the cancellation of their scheduled flight due to technical issues.

The duo reportedly arrived at the airport only to be informed that their flight had been cancelled, prompting the NFF to immediately secure fresh travel arrangements to ensure their arrival in Morocco.

Despite the temporary setback, the defending champions have maintained the intensity of their preparations with daily training sessions at the La Noria Club in Casablanca.

The Super Falcons will soon relocate to Morocco’s administrative capital, Rabat, where they will contest their Group C matches against Malawi, Egypt and Zambia.

As part of CAF’s tournament protocols, the team’s official arrival meeting with representatives of the Confederation of African Football and the Local Organising Committee is scheduled for Saturday, July 25.

Nigeria, seeking an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title, will begin their title defence against Malawi next Tuesday.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) gathered momentum on Sunday as 19 of the 25 invited Super Falcons players assembled in Casablanca ahead of the team’s opening Group B clash against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28.

The arrival of Sweden-based duo Halimatu Ayinde and Joy Omewa took the number of players in camp to 19, with the pair joining their teammates at the Hotel Marriott shortly after the squad had completed an evening training session at the La Noria Club under the supervision of Head Coach Justine Madugu and his technical crew.

Also expected in camp later on Sunday were Mexico-based defender Osinachi Ohale and forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, who were travelling from their club, Pachuca Tuzas.

With the countdown to the continental championship entering its final phase, the team’s preparations have intensified as the defending champions aim to begin their title defence on a winning note against Malawi.

Among the early arrivals in camp are captain Rasheedat Ajibade, first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Shukurat Oladipo, Oluwatosin Demehin and Christy Ucheibe, midfielders Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini, as well as experienced forwards Asisat Oshoala, Francisca Ordega and Omorinsola Babajide.

The six players still being awaited in Casablanca are defender Michelle Alozie, midfielder Deborah Abiodun, and forwards Gift Monday, Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi and Uchenna Kanu.

Nigeria, record winners of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, are expected to have their full complement of players available before Tuesday’s opening fixture as Coach Madugu fine-tunes his squad for another bid to retain the continental crown.

Players Currently in Camp (19)

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor, Fatima Oloko.

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale, Shukurat Oladipo, Rofiat Imuran, Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Sikiratu Isah, Christy Ucheibe.

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade, Halimatu Ayinde, Toni Payne, Jennifer Echegini.

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala, Joy Omewa, Francisca Ordega, Omorinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo.

The remaining six players are expected to link up with the squad before Nigeria’s opening match of the tournament.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H