Top 4 countries to win Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is the continent’s premier women’s football tournament, showcasing the best talent from across Africa. Since its launch, only four countries have etched their names into the history books as champions. From Nigeria’s early dominance to Cameroon’s recent triumph, the tournament has produced unforgettable moments. In this article, we highlight the top four countries that have won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and their path to glory.

Why the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations matters

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is more than just a football tournament; it is a platform that has elevated women’s football in Africa. Organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the competition provides African nations with the opportunity to showcase their talent on a continental stage. For many players, it serves as a stepping stone to international careers and greater recognition.

Since its inception, the tournament has grown in stature, with increased investment, media coverage, and fan engagement. The 2026 edition, held in Morocco, saw Cameroon lift the trophy after defeating Malawi 3-0 in the final, marking another milestone in African women’s football. This victory underscored the growing competitiveness of teams beyond the traditional powerhouses.

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has also played a crucial role in inspiring young girls across the continent to take up the sport. With more countries investing in grassroots development and women’s football programmes, the future of the game in Africa looks brighter than ever.

Nigeria: The most successful Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champion

Nigeria is the undisputed king of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having won the tournament a record 11 times. The Super Falcons, as the team is affectionately known, have dominated the competition since its early days, setting a benchmark for excellence in African women’s football.

Their first title came in 1991, and they have since added to their tally in 1995, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018. Nigeria’s consistency is a testament to the country’s deep-rooted passion for football and the robust development structures in place. The Super Falcons have produced legendary players like Mercy Akide, Perpetua Nkwocha, and Asisat Oshoala, who have gone on to shine on the global stage.

Nigeria’s dominance in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has not only brought glory to the nation but has also inspired generations of female footballers in Nigeria and beyond. Their ability to perform under pressure and maintain a winning mentality has made them a team to watch in every edition of the tournament.

Key moments in Nigeria’s WAFCON history

• 1991 (Nigeria): Nigeria hosted the inaugural edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and emerged as champions, setting the tone for their future dominance.
• 2004 (South Africa): Nigeria defeated South Africa 5-4 on penalties in a thrilling final to secure their sixth title.
• 2016 (Cameroon): Nigeria defeated Cameroon 1-0 in the final, with Asisat Oshoala scoring the decisive goal.

Ghana: The Black Queens’ historic triumph

Ghana is another powerhouse in African women’s football and has won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations once, in 1999. The Black Queens’ victory in the 1999 edition, held in South Africa, remains one of the most celebrated moments in the tournament’s history.

The 1999 tournament was a closely contested affair, with Ghana defeating Nigeria in the semi-finals before overcoming South Africa 1-0 in the final. The win was a significant milestone for Ghanaian women’s football and provided a major boost to the sport’s development in the country.

Since their triumph, Ghana has remained a consistent performer in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the final on two other occasions (2007 and 2014). Though they have not lifted the trophy again, their performances have consistently kept them among the top teams in Africa.

The Black Queens’ journey in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations serves as an inspiration to young footballers in Ghana and across the continent. Their resilience and fighting spirit have made them a team to reckon with in African women’s football.

Ghana’s path to WAFCON glory in 1999

1. Group Stage: Ghana topped their group with two wins and a draw, defeating Uganda, Zimbabwe, and drawing with South Africa.
2. Semi-finals: Ghana defeated Nigeria 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
3. Final: Ghana defeated South Africa 1-0 in the final, with Mercy Tagoe scoring the winning goal.

South Africa: Banyana Banyana’s rise to the top

South Africa has emerged as a formidable force in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, winning the tournament twice (2022 and 2026). The Banyana Banyana, as the team is known, have made significant strides in recent years, becoming a dominant force in African women’s football.

Their first title came in 2022, when they defeated Morocco 2-1 in the final in Morocco. The victory was a historic moment for South African women’s football and marked the beginning of a new era of dominance. South Africa’s success in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been built on a strong foundation of development, investment, and tactical brilliance.

In 2026, South Africa once again proved their mettle by reaching the final, where they faced a tough challenge from Malawi. Though they fell short in their bid to defend their title, their journey to the final underscored their consistency and growth as a team.

The Banyana Banyana’s rise in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been a source of pride for South Africa and has inspired a new generation of female footballers in the country.

South Africa’s key victories in WAFCON

• 2022 (Morocco): South Africa defeated Morocco 2-1 in the final to win their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
• 2026 (Morocco): South Africa reached the final but were defeated by Cameroon 3-0, finishing as runners-up.

Cameroon: The latest champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

Cameroon made history in 2026 by winning their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title. The Indomitable Lionesses defeated Malawi 3-0 in a dominant display in the final, held in Rabat, Morocco. This victory marked a significant milestone for Cameroonian women’s football and cemented their place among Africa’s elite teams.

Cameroon’s journey to the final was a testament to their resilience and determination. They topped their group with two wins and a draw, defeating Senegal, Algeria, and drawing with Uganda. In the knockout stages, they defeated Ghana and Nigeria on penalties before facing Malawi in the final.

Their victory in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has brought joy to Cameroonian football fans and has inspired young girls across the country to pursue the sport. Cameroon’s success is a reminder that the tournament is becoming more competitive, with new teams emerging as serious contenders.

Cameroon’s road to WAFCON 2026 glory

1. Group Stage: Cameroon topped their group with two wins (against Senegal and Algeria) and a draw (against Uganda).
2. Quarter-finals: Cameroon defeated Ghana 2-1 in a thrilling encounter.
3. Semi-finals: Cameroon defeated Nigeria 1-0 in a tightly contested match.
4. Final: Cameroon defeated Malawi 3-0 in the final, with goals from Ajara Nchout, Gabrielle Onguéné, and a penalty from Christine Manie.

How the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has evolved

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has undergone significant changes since its inception. Initially known as the African Women’s Championship, the tournament has grown in size, competitiveness, and prestige. The expansion of the competition to include more teams has provided smaller nations with the opportunity to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience.

In recent editions, the tournament has attracted greater media attention and sponsorship, which has helped to raise the profile of women’s football in Africa. The 2026 edition, for example, was broadcast to a global audience, further amplifying the reach of the competition.

The introduction of the FIFA Women’s World Cup as a qualification pathway has also added an extra layer of significance to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Teams now have the opportunity to secure a spot in the global tournament, which has increased the stakes and intensity of the competition.

As the tournament continues to evolve, it is expected to play an even greater role in shaping the future of women’s football in Africa. With more countries investing in the sport and nurturing young talent, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is poised to become a breeding ground for the next generation of African football stars.

Challenges faced by African women’s football

Despite the progress made, African women’s football still faces several challenges. Limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and societal stereotypes continue to hinder the growth of the sport in many countries. The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has played a crucial role in addressing some of these issues by providing a platform for visibility and development.

However, more needs to be done to ensure that women’s football in Africa reaches its full potential. Governments, football associations, and corporate sponsors must invest in grassroots programmes, provide better facilities, and create opportunities for young girls to participate in the sport. The success of teams like Nigeria, South Africa, and Cameroon in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is a testament to what can be achieved with the right support and resources.

Efforts are also being made to change perceptions and promote gender equality in football. Initiatives such as the CAF’s women’s football strategy aim to double the number of registered female players in Africa by 2026. Such programmes are essential for creating a sustainable and inclusive environment for women’s football to thrive.

Future prospects for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

The future of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations looks bright, with several promising trends on the horizon. The increasing investment in women’s football, both from local and international stakeholders, is expected to drive further growth and competitiveness in the tournament.

New teams are emerging as serious contenders, and the gap between the traditional powerhouses and the rest is gradually closing. This bodes well for the development of the sport and the overall quality of the competition. The 2026 edition, for instance, saw Malawi reach the final for the first time, highlighting the growing competitiveness of the tournament.

Another positive development is the increasing number of African players making an impact in top European leagues. Players like Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria), Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa), and Ajara Nchout (Cameroon) have become role models for young girls across the continent. Their success on the global stage is inspiring a new generation of footballers and raising the profile of African women’s football.

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is also expected to benefit from the growing interest in women’s sports globally. With more fans, sponsors, and media outlets engaging with women’s football, the tournament is well-positioned to attract greater attention and resources in the coming years.

How to support African women’s football

Supporting African women’s football goes beyond just watching the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Fans, corporate bodies, and governments can play a role in nurturing the sport and ensuring its sustainable growth. Here are some ways to get involved:

• Attend matches: Show your support by attending local women’s football matches and tournaments. Your presence can help create a vibrant atmosphere and encourage more girls to take up the sport.
• Volunteer or donate: Many women’s football clubs and programmes rely on volunteers and donations to operate. Consider lending your time or resources to support these initiatives.
• Advocate for equal opportunities: Promote gender equality in football by advocating for equal pay, better facilities, and more opportunities for women and girls in the sport.
• Follow and promote the sport: Share news and updates about women’s football on social media and other platforms. The more visibility the sport gets, the greater its impact will be.
• Encourage young girls: Inspire the next generation of footballers by encouraging young girls to participate in the sport and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations FAQs

Which country has won the most Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles?

Nigeria has won the most Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles, with 11 victories to their name. The Super Falcons have dominated the tournament since its inception, setting a high standard for other African teams.

Has Cameroon ever won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations?

Yes, Cameroon won their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2026, defeating Malawi 3-0 in the final. This historic victory marked a significant milestone for Cameroonian women’s football.

How often is the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations held?

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is held every two years. The tournament provides African nations with the opportunity to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Which teams have qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup through the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations?

Teams like Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, and Ghana have qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup through their performances in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament serves as a crucial pathway for African teams to compete on the global stage.

What is the significance of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for African women’s football?

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is a platform that elevates the profile of women’s football in Africa. It provides African nations with the opportunity to showcase their talent, gain valuable experience, and inspire young girls to take up the sport. The tournament also plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality and creating opportunities for women in football.

How has the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations evolved over the years?

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has evolved significantly since its inception. The tournament has grown in size, competitiveness, and prestige, with more teams now participating. The introduction of the FIFA Women’s World Cup as a qualification pathway has also added an extra layer of significance to the competition. The tournament is now broadcast to a global audience, further amplifying its reach.

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