Nigeria's Super Falcons will have more than continental glory to play for when the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a record-breaking increase in prize money for the tournament, with the eventual champions set to earn $2.3 million (approximately ₦2.74 billion at current exchange rates).
According to CAF's official announcement on July 22, 2026, the total prize pool for the 2026 WAFCON is $4.2 million, a significant jump from the $1.2 million total prize money awarded in 2022. The runners-up will receive $1.2 million, while the third-place team will get $700,000. This marks the largest financial incentive ever offered in the competition's history.
The Super Falcons, who have won the WAFCON a record 11 times, including the last edition in 2024, are among the favorites. Nigeria's squad features stars like Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade, and the team is currently ranked 36th in the FIFA World Rankings. The tournament is scheduled to run from July 23 to August 15, 2026, across multiple cities in Morocco.
The prize money increase is part of CAF's broader effort to elevate women's football in Africa. CAF President Patrice Motsepe stated, 'This investment reflects our commitment to ensuring that African women footballers are rewarded fairly for their talent and hard work.' The 2026 WAFCON will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, adding further stakes for the participating nations.
