The 2024 edition of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is set to kick off on July 5 in Morocco, marking a pivotal moment for women’s football on the continent. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a strategic move to significantly enhance the value of the tournament, notably by doubling the prize money for the eventual winner from $500,000 to a landmark $1 million. This decision is part of a broader increase in the overall prize pot by 45%, a move anticipated to have profound and lasting consequences for the participating teams and the growth of the African Women’s Football ecosystem.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe articulated the rationale behind this substantial increase, emphasizing CAF’s unwavering commitment to the development and global competitiveness of women’s football in Africa. He stated that the 100% increase for the winner and the 45% total prize money boost for the competition should directly contribute to higher salaries for women football players, coaches, and employees. Motsepe highlighted the consistently improving and world-class quality of women’s football in Africa, expressing excitement about the projected increase in fan engagement, broadcasting viewership, and sponsorships for the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2024, predicting an "enormously successful" competition.

The full breakdown of the WAFCON 2024 prize money underscores CAF’s financial commitment. The winning team will now receive $1,000,000, a significant increase from the $500,000 awarded in 2022. The runner-up is set to earn $500,000, while the third-place finishers will claim $350,000. Teams reaching the fourth place will receive $300,000, and quarter-finalists will each be awarded $200,000. Even teams exiting in the group stage will benefit, with third-placed teams in their groups receiving $150,000 and fourth-placed teams getting $125,000 each. The total prize money for the 2024 WAFCON has been officially set at $3.475 million.

For Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the most decorated team in WAFCON history with nine continental titles, this announcement arrives as a timely and crucial financial show of faith. The Super Falcons have often delivered success despite facing challenges such as unpaid bonuses, notably after their strong showing at the 2023 Women’s World Cup where they reached the Round of 16. In that instance, FIFA directly paid earnings to players to circumvent national federations from diverting funds. Now, with CAF’s clear and bold intervention in the WAFCON prize structure, the Super Falcons are empowered to pursue a tournament where the rewards truly match their effort and dedication, with a $1 million prize at stake for the winner and significant incentives for all participating teams.

The Super Falcons’ mission for WAFCON 2024 is clear: reclaim the trophy they lost to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in 2022 and reassert their dominance in African women’s football. Their pursuit of a historic tenth continental crown, dubbed "Mission X," is fueled by both financial incentives and a deep sense of pride and legacy. Drawn into Group B, Nigeria faces Tunisia in their opening match, followed by fixtures against Cape Verde and Togo. This group presents a mix of established and emerging teams, making the initial clash with Tunisia a critical tone-setter for their campaign.

Historically, Nigeria has held an advantage over Tunisia, notably securing a 1-0 victory in a tense quarterfinal during their last WAFCON meeting in 2022. However, the landscape of women’s football across the continent is evolving, with the gap between traditional powerhouses and rising contenders narrowing. Tunisian head coach Kamel Saada acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by Nigeria’s quality, emphasizing the need for discipline, focus, and peak performance from his team.

Under the guidance of head coach Justine Madugu, the Super Falcons enter WAFCON 2024 with a formidable 24-woman squad that skillfully blends seasoned internationals with dynamic new talent. The attack will be spearheaded by captain Rasheedat Ajibade and the prolific Asisat Oshoala, while the midfield benefits from the prowess of Toni Payne, and Chiamaka Nnadozie provides crucial stability as shot-stopper. The defensive line is anchored by experienced players like Osinachi Ohale and Michelle Alozie. Complementing these veterans are emerging stars such as Folashade Ijamilusi, Sikiratu Isah, and Chioma Okafor, who bring depth, energy, and a hunger to make their mark on the grand stage.

For the Super Falcons, WAFCON 2024 transcends mere competition; it serves as a vital platform to demonstrate resilience, inspire a new generation of athletes, and further solidify a legacy built over decades. With formidable rivals like defending champions South Africa, Ghana, and Morocco also vying for the title, securing the championship will necessitate more than historical prowess; it will demand unwavering hunger, exceptional team cohesion, and flawless execution. Their arduous journey commences on July 5 in Casablanca, and while the path to glory is long, Nigeria’s Super Falcons are poised to navigate it, aiming for their tenth continental title.