WAFCON favourites Nigeria eye World Cup slot and record prize money

The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) officially kicked off in Morocco on Sunday, marking a pivotal moment for women's football across the continent. This edition of the biennial tournament, expanded to feature a record 16 nations, carries immense significance, serving as the direct qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. Beyond the prestige of continental supremacy, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced an unprecedented $2 million prize for the winning team, a 100% increase from the previous edition, underscoring a growing commitment to professionalising the women's game. For Zambia, the tournament holds particular importance. The Copper Queens, under the guidance of Head Coach Nora Häuptle, have qualified for WAFCON and are determined to make a significant impact. They are placed in Group C alongside formidable opponents Nigeria, Egypt, and Malawi. The team has been actively preparing, including recent friendly matches against Algeria, which served as crucial tests for the squad. With stars like Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji in their ranks, Zambia is looking to leverage their attacking prowess to navigate the group stage and advance deep into the knockout rounds. The stakes are exceptionally high, as the four semi-finalists of WAFCON 2026 will automatically secure their tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. An additional two African teams could also qualify for the global showpiece through an inter-confederation play-off tournament, making every match critical for World Cup aspirations. This expanded format and the increased financial incentives reflect CAF's strategic vision to elevate women's football, providing greater exposure and reward for African talent. The $2 million winner's prize is a testament to this, representing a 900% increase under the current CAF leadership since 2020, with the overall prize money reaching $5.8 million. The Copper Queens' journey to Morocco has been met wit