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For decades, Nigeria has been the undisputed powerhouse of women’s football in Africa. Whenever the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) comes around, the Super Falcons are almost always among the favourites to lift the trophy. Their dominance has earned them respect across the continent and beyond. Yet, while Nigeria continues to produce champions on the pitch, another African nation has quietly become the home of women’s football, Morocco!
The North African nation has now hosted the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations three consecutive times, a remarkable achievement that has raised questions among football lovers across Africa. Many Nigerians have wondered why the Confederation of African Football (CAF) keeps returning the tournament to Morocco instead of rotating it among other capable countries.
The answer goes beyond football. It is about planning, investment, infrastructure, government support, and a long-term vision for women’s sports. While Morocco has spent years building a system that attracts major international competitions, Nigeria, despite producing Africa’s most successful women’s national team, is still battling inadequate funding, poor facilities, irregular league structures, and limited attention to women’s football.
MOROCCO’S RISE AS AFRICA’S SPORTING DESTINATION
Hosting a major football tournament is not a small task. CAF expects host countries to provide modern stadiums, quality training grounds, reliable transportation, good hotels, security, broadcasting facilities and excellent organisation. In recent years, Morocco has consistently proven that it can meet and even exceed these expectations.
The North African nation has invested billions in upgrading football infrastructure. Cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech and Agadir boast world-class stadiums that meet international standards. Roads, airports, hotels and transport systems have also received significant improvements, making it easier for teams, officials, journalists and fans to move around during competitions.
Beyond infrastructure, Morocco has deliberately positioned itself as Africa’s sports capital. Over the last few years, the country has hosted numerous CAF competitions, FIFA tournaments, club championships and international friendlies. Each successful event strengthens Morocco’s reputation as a dependable host.
For CAF, consistency matters. Returning to a country with proven organisational ability reduces uncertainty and ensures sponsors, broadcasters and fans enjoy a smooth tournament.
A NATIONAL STRATEGY, NOT JUST A FOOTBALL PROJECT
Morocco’s success is part of a national sports development strategy strongly backed by the government and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
Women’s football has become a priority rather than an afterthought. Clubs are encouraged to establish women’s teams, young girls are introduced to football through structured development programmes, and domestic competitions have become more competitive.
The Moroccan women’s national team has also benefited vastly from this investment. Just a few years ago, Morocco was not considered one of Africa’s strongest women’s football nations. Today, the Atlas Lionesses are among the continent’s elite, having reached the final of WAFCON and qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they made history by reaching the Round of 16.
Hosting major tournaments has further accelerated public interest. Packed stadiums, increased television coverage and corporate sponsorship have helped women’s football gain popularity across the country.
NIGERIA’S INCREDIBLE LEGACY
While Morocco is becoming Africa’s preferred host, Nigeria remains Africa’s greatest women’s football nation. The Super Falcons have won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 10 times, making them the most successful team in the competition’s history. They lifted the trophy many times and are currently the defending champions.
Their dominance has produced generations of legendary footballers. Players such as Mercy Akide, Florence Omagbemi, Perpetua Nkwocha, Rita Nwadike, Ann Chiejine, Stella Mbachu, Desire Oparanozie, Asisat Oshoala, Onome Ebi, Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie and many others have carried Nigeria’s flag with pride on the continental and global stage.
Nigeria has also represented Africa impressively at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Super Falcons became the first African team to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament in 1999 and have consistently qualified for every edition since its inception. At the Olympic Games, they have also represented Africa on several occasion, helping to raise the profile of women’s football across the continent.
It is safe to say, no African nation has achieved what the Super Falcons have achieved.
YET THE CHAMPIONS ARE NOT PROPERLY SUPPORTED
For many years, the Super Falcons have repeatedly protested over unpaid bonuses and allowances. Players have sometimes threatened to boycott training or refuse to travel until outstanding payments were settled.
These disputes have become almost routine after major tournaments, creating unnecessary distractions for athletes who should be concentrating solely on football. The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has made progress, but many clubs still struggle with inadequate funding. Some teams train on poor pitches, lack modern equipment and face difficulties paying players regularly. Medical care, nutrition, sports science and welfare are still below international standards in many cases.
Unlike the men’s game, sponsorship opportunities remain limited. Television coverage is also relatively poor, making it difficult for clubs to generate commercial income or attract new fans. Many talented female footballers therefore see playing abroad as the only realistic path to financial stability and career growth.
INFRASTRUCTURE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
One of the biggest differences between Morocco and Nigeria lies in infrastructure. Morocco has modern stadiums that regularly host continental competitions. Many of these facilities are maintained throughout the year and are equipped with high-quality training pitches.
Nigeria certainly has football loving fans and massive talent, but many stadiums require renovation. Poor pitch conditions have become a recurring issue in domestic competitions, while several training facilities fall below the standards expected for elite football.
Good infrastructure does more than host tournaments. It improves player development, attracts sponsors, increases fan attendance and boosts tourism. Countries that invest in sports infrastructure often enjoy long term economic benefits as hotels, transport companies, restaurants and local businesses gain from increased visitor numbers.
WHAT NIGERIA CAN LEARN
Nigeria does not lack football talent. In fact, many experts believe no African country has produced more outstanding female footballers than Naija.
The real challenge is creating an environment where these talents can flourish. Government support must become more consistent rather than occasional. Corporate organisations should invest more in women’s football through sponsorships and partnerships. The private sector has a significant role to play in developing the league and improving facilities. Grassroots football also deserves greater attention. Schools and community competitions should serve as the starting point for identifying young female talents. Equally important is giving women’s football the media attention it deserves. Regular television broadcasts, newspaper coverage and digital promotion can attract more fans and sponsors while inspiring the next generation of players.
BEYOND WINNING TROPHIES
The success of women’s football should not be measured only by trophies. It should also be measured by how players are treated, the quality of domestic competitions, attendance at league matches, sponsorship levels and opportunities available to young girls who dream of becoming professional footballers.
Nigeria has already conquered Africa on the field. The Super Falcons have proven that repeatedly over more than three decades. What remains is for the country to build an equally strong football system off the pitch.
By: Favour Okore
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