Super Falcons eye record payday: How WAFCON’s new $2m prize money beats Asia, the Americas

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is already making history before a ball has been kicked, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a record $2 million prize for the champions, according to Supersport. It doubles last winner’s reward and making WAFCON the second biggest-paying continental women’s football tournaments in the world.

CAF also increased the tournament’s overall prize fund to $5.8 million, a 67 percent rise from the previous edition. The decision is part of the governing body’s continued investment in women’s football across Africa.

The new financial package means every one of the 16 teams heading to Morocco will receive money for taking part, while the best-performing nations will earn significantly more than before.

The champions will take home $2 million, runners-up will receive $750,000, third-place finishers will earn $500,000, while each qualified team is guaranteed a $150,000 participation fee.

For defending champions Nigeria, the new prize adds even more motivation as the Super Falcons chase an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title between July 26 and August 16 in Morocco.

Nigeria arrive in Morocco as Africa’s most successful women’s national team after winning 10 WAFCON titles.

Their most recent triumph came after unarguably the greatest final in tournament history. The Super Falcons fought back from 2-0 down at half-time to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2, stunning the home crowd.

Coach Justin Madugu’s side now has another major target beyond lifting the trophy; the historic $2 million winners’ cheque.

Nigeria begin their Group C campaign against Malawi on July 28, before facing Zambia on August 1 in what is expected to be the toughest group-stage match in Morocco. They complete the first round against Egypt on August 5.

Despite being favourites, the Super Falcons know the road will not be easy. Morocco, hosting the competition for a third straight time, have invested heavily in women’s football and will again enjoy massive home support. The Atlas Lionesses are desperate to finally win the title after finishing runners-up in back-to-back editions.

South Africa also remain one of Nigeria’s biggest rivals. Banyana Banyana, guided by experienced coach Desiree Ellis, still have much of the squad that won the 2022 continental title and reached the knockout stages at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Beyond the prize money, there is another huge incentive. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, making every knockout match even more important.

CAF’s new winner’s prize now stands above several other continental championships around the world.

In South America, the winners of the CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina receive $1.5 million, which is $500,000 less than the new WAFCON champions’ reward.

In North America, the CONCACAF W Gold Cup champions earn $1 million, only half of what the WAFCON winners will collect.

In Asia, the difference is even greater. The AFC Women’s Asian Cup has a total prize pool of $1.8 million, meaning the entire tournament fund is smaller than WAFCON’s $2 million prize for the champions alone. The Asian competition also pays only the top four teams, while WAFCON guarantees every qualified nation at least $150,000.

Europe remains different because of its larger financial model. UEFA has a total Women’s EURO prize fund of €41 million, with every qualified nation receiving €1.8 million before the tournament even begins. Teams also earn bonuses for wins, draws and every knockout stage reached, meaning the eventual champions can receive a maximum payout of about €5.1 million if they win all three group matches.

Although UEFA’s overall financial package remains the biggest, CAF’s new $2 million champion’s prize is now higher than the winners’ rewards offered by South America, North America and Asia.

The Super Falcons lifting the trophy in Morocco would, therefore, secure the biggest single championship prize currently available to women’s continental champions outside Europe.