Women were banned from playing football in many countries, but that’s just one of many barriers they have overcome.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Articles on African women's football
Displaying all articles
The authorities have linked sport to nation building and tourism, and thrown their weight behind football.
Nigeria leads in the rankings of the four African teams. Two others are making debut World Cup appearances and there’s a storm cloud over South Africa.
There was a significant shift towards African football as a business rather than football as development.
The Wafcon final on Saturday is proof of the development of the women’s game on the continent - and of mining star players abroad.
Twelve teams remain after the qualifying rounds of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations - with Nigeria no longer automatic favourites as the competition diversifies.
