The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is Africa’s premier women’s football tournament, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Since its inception in 1991 as a qualification tournament for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, WAFCON has grown into the continent’s biggest women’s football competition. It officially adopted the name Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 2015.
One remarkable feature of the tournament is that only three countries have won the title in more than three decades of competition: Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.
WAFCON Champions Through the Years
1991 – Nigeria
Nigeria defeated Cameroon over two legs to become the first African women’s champions and qualify for the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup.
1995 – Nigeria
The Super Falcons retained their continental crown after another dominant campaign against Cameroon in the World Cup qualifying tournament.
1998 – Nigeria
The competition adopted a full tournament format for the first time, and Nigeria emerged champions after defeating Ghana in the final.
2000 – Nigeria
Nigeria successfully defended the title, further establishing themselves as Africa’s dominant women’s football nation.
2002 – Nigeria
The Super Falcons claimed a third consecutive WAFCON title with another impressive performance.
2004 – Nigeria
Nigeria continued their dominance by lifting another continental trophy.
2006 – Nigeria
The Super Falcons made it five consecutive WAFCON titles, extending their record as Africa’s leading women’s football team.
2008 – Equatorial Guinea
History was made as Equatorial Guinea became the first country other than Nigeria to win the championship, defeating South Africa in the final.
2010 – Nigeria
Nigeria regained the title after missing out in 2008, reaffirming their supremacy on the continent.
2012 – Equatorial Guinea
Playing on home soil, Equatorial Guinea captured their second WAFCON title.
2014 – Nigeria
The Super Falcons returned to the summit of African women’s football with another championship victory.
2016 – Nigeria
Nigeria defeated hosts Cameroon to win yet another continental title.
2018 – Nigeria
The Super Falcons edged South Africa on penalties to secure another WAFCON crown.
2022 – South Africa
South Africa became the third nation to win WAFCON after defeating hosts Morocco 2–1 in the final, ending years of near misses.
2024 Edition (played in 2025) – Nigeria
Nigeria completed its much-celebrated “Mission X” by defeating hosts Morocco 3–2 in a dramatic comeback to claim a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
WAFCON Titles by Country
– Nigeria – 10 titles
– Equatorial Guinea – 2 titles
– South Africa – 1 title
Why WAFCON Matters
WAFCON has become the biggest platform for women’s football in Africa. It has produced global stars such as Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala and Chiamaka Nnadozie, Zambia’s Barbra Banda, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana. The tournament has also contributed significantly to the growth of women’s football by increasing investment, improving competition and inspiring young girls across the continent to pursue the sport.
Conclusion, From Nigeria’s long-standing dominance to the breakthrough victories of Equatorial Guinea and South Africa, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has showcased the remarkable growth of women’s football in Africa. As the competition continues to expand, WAFCON remains a symbol of excellence, resilience and the rising global influence of African women’s football.
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