Nigeria Takes Home $1 Million After 2024 WAFCON Victory

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have once again solidified their legacy as the powerhouse of African women’s football by capturing their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in a thrilling final held on July 26, 2025. The team’s victory not only adds another historic trophy to their already impressive cabinet but also earns them a record-breaking prize of $1 million — a sum that represents a significant milestone for the sport on the continent.

The championship match, staged at the iconic Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, delivered all the excitement and drama fans crave. Facing the host nation, Morocco, the Super Falcons were pushed to their limits in a pulsating encounter that ended 3-2 in favor of Nigeria. The Moroccan team, buoyed by passionate home supporters, gave a spirited performance, making the final a closely contested battle until the dying moments.

The pivotal moment of the game came late in the second half when midfielder Jennifer Echegini, just 24 years old, stepped up to deliver under immense pressure. Following a well-earned free kick by striker Esther Okoronkwo, Echegini calmly converted the set-piece in the 88th minute, breaking the deadlock and securing a dramatic comeback victory for the Falcons. This goal epitomized the team’s resilience and hunger, qualities that have long been their trademark throughout WAFCON history.

With this latest triumph, Nigeria firmly reaffirms its dominance as the most successful women’s national football team in Africa. The Super Falcons’ record now stands at 10 WAFCON titles — a feat unmatched by any other nation in the competition’s history. This consistent excellence has made them a symbol of pride for Nigerian football and an inspiration for young female athletes across Africa.

Beyond the glory on the pitch, the 2024 edition of WAFCON brought with it a landmark development in terms of prize money and financial recognition for women’s football. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that the total prize pot for the tournament would be $1 million, doubling the amount awarded in the previous tournament. This 100% increase is a clear statement from CAF of its renewed commitment to fostering the growth and professionalization of the women’s game across Africa.

Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the President of CAF, emphasized the importance of this financial boost, explaining that it is designed to improve the earnings and welfare of not only the players but also coaches, technical staff, and all those involved in women’s football. This initiative marks a new era of investment and recognition, aiming to elevate the standards of women’s football and provide the necessary resources for further development.

The impact of this prize money extends beyond the immediate celebration of winning teams. It sends a strong message that women’s football in Africa deserves equal attention, support, and financial backing as the men’s game. It also creates greater opportunities for female footballers to pursue their careers professionally, inspiring more young girls to take up the sport and dream of representing their countries at the highest levels.

The Super Falcons’ success story and the enhanced support from CAF reflect a broader global trend toward empowering women athletes and promoting gender equality in sports. As the Falcons lift the WAFCON trophy once again, they do so not only as champions on the field but also as trailblazers contributing to the transformation of African football culture.

In summary, Nigeria’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Morocco in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final marks a historic moment for African women’s football. The Super Falcons’ 10th WAFCON title, combined with the unprecedented $1 million prize, highlights both their sporting excellence and the progressive steps being taken by CAF to invest in the future of the women’s game. With such milestones, the future looks brighter than ever for women’s football in Nigeria and across Africa.