Barbara Banda, Tabitha Chawinga and Nadine Ghazi have highlighted the growth of African women’s football ahead of the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, www.aclsports.com reports.
The trio are among the players expected to feature in Group C, where Zambia, Malawi and Egypt will face defending champions and 10-time winners Nigeria.
Zambia captain Barbara Banda praised the progress, pointing to the increased marketing and visibility of WAFCON as an inspiration for younger players.
“It’s so amazing to see African women’s football grow. It’s something that I want to see even more of, especially when it comes to the WAFCON. I think it inspires the younger generation because the marketing of the tournament has become so good and everyone is watching it. It gives young players the motivation to dream,”
The Orlando Pride forward, who has represented Zambia at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympic Games, added that teams are no longer attending WAFCON just to participate.
“We know the last WAFCON did not go our way, but we are trying to do better this time around. We are not just coming there to add numbers. Our aim as a team is to qualify for the World Cup and go as far as possible in the WAFCON, hopefully reaching the final and winning the trophy.
“We have a lot of respect for Nigeria, but the teams have really improved and everyone wants to compete.”
Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga also praised the transformation of African women’s football, highlighting the increasing number of professional players competing around the world.
“African women’s football has changed a lot. As you can see now, we have many professional players from different countries, and they are all doing well at their clubs,” Chawinga said.
The forward believes WAFCON provides an important platform for African players to showcase their quality and attract global opportunities.
“I believe there will be many agents there looking to discover players, especially young talents. Not only Malawi players, but players from across Africa,” she added.
Chawinga also acknowledged Nigeria’s dominance of the competition but believes other teams are closing the gap.
“Nigeria has dominated football for a long time, and we have to accept that. But other countries are also coming and trying to reach that level,” she said.
Egypt midfielder Nadine Ghazi believes Nigeria deserves respect for its achievements but insists WAFCON remains open for new challengers.
“Honestly, Nigeria has dominated very well, and they deserve a lot of respect. They are a very respected team and they have brought a lot of attention and recognition to African football,” Ghazi said.
“However, I believe everything is decided on the pitch. You never know what can happen, and we have seen that at the World Cup. A challenge is always around the corner.”
Ghazi, who watched the 2014 WAFCON as a 14-year-old, described the possibility of facing Nigeria forward and African football icon Asisat Oshoala as a special moment.
“Honestly, it’s a huge honour. Even though it won’t be as easy as people might think when we are on the pitch, she is a legend and nobody can say otherwise,” Ghazi added.
“I’m definitely very, very excited to play against her. On a personal level, I’m proud that my team has reached this level, playing against teams and players we never thought we would face on the big stage.
“Our level is increasing, and I really hope it continues to grow. So yes, I will definitely be hoping to swap jerseys with her after the game.”
