CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe was left visibly surprised after learning that some teams failed to show up for training ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
Reacting to journalists during a press briefing in Morocco, the host nation, Dr Motsepe said:
“The team didn’t show up? How? Which one? But how? Every nation gets money.”
He confirmed that each participating nation received $120,000 in support fees. His comments today come as CAF confirmed a landmark increase in WAFCON prize money yesterday.
For the first time, each participating country has received a minimum of $125,000, with the tournament winner set to earn $1 million, the highest prize ever for women’s football in Africa.
READ MORE: Nigerian clubs hit jackpot as CAF doubles participation fee
CAF announced that the total prize pool for WAFCON 2024 has been raised by 45%, climbing from $2.4 million in 2022 to $3.475 million.
It is part of the confederation’s ongoing drive to uplift the women’s game under its Women’s Football Action Plan (2021–2025).
WAFCON 2024 Prize Breakdown:
- Winners: $1,000,000
- Runners-up: $500,000
- Third Place: $350,000
- Fourth Place: $300,000
- Quarter-finalists (4): $200,000 each
- Third in Group Stage: $150,000
- Fourth in Group: $125,000
The expanded prize pot not only rewards performance but also guarantees financial support even for the teams that exit early — a first in WAFCON history.
WAFCON 2022 in Morocco marked a turning point for the competition. It introduced a 12-team format and saw record-breaking attendance, including over 45,000 fans at the Nigeria vs Morocco semi-final.
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That year, South Africa won their maiden title, earning $500,000 — the same amount now guaranteed for the 2024 runners-up.
Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia all went on to represent Africa at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
