By Victor Kanayo
It has been confirmed that Morocco will still host the 14th edition of WAFCON scheduled for March, 2026.
The development, as confirmed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), means that the North African nation will become the first to stage the biennial soccer competition three times consecutively.
Only Nigeria and South Africa hold the records of hosting the championship three times overall.
Next year’s version will be the 16th edition of the tournament.
CAF Prizes In Rabat
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Falcons on Saturday night scooped many awards at the just concluded 2024 WAFCON in Rabat, Morocco.
The Nigerian team carted home three of the five available awards.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, who plays for Brighton FC of England after moving from Paris FC, retained the CAF Golden Gloves award for Best Goalkeeper.
She was Di Arkem Goalkeeper of the Season 2023-2024, and IFFHS Africa’s Best Goalkeeper in the diaspora in 2019.
Expectedly, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, popularly called Mummy G.O. (because of her Christian preaching and prayer pattern), was crowned Best Player of the Tournament.
Ajibade won three Woman of the Match awards out of six matches played during the competition.
The Coach of the Tournament award went to Nigeria’s Justine Madugu, who just took over as the Super Falcons coach after being an assistant coach for a long while.
Atlas Lionesses, Banyana Banyana
The Golden Boot for highest goal scorer went to Chizlane Chebbak of Morocco, who scored five goals in the tournament, two above Ihezuo of Nigeria.
Banyana Banyana of South Africa won the Fair Play award for most disciplined side of the tournament.
Overall Finish
Nigeria emerged overall champions after defeating Morocco 3-2 in a volatile final that the hosts were leading 2-0 at half-time.
Morocco won the silver medal, Ghana won the bronze, and South Africa was placed 4th.
