The 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) was set to make headlines for all the right reasons, new trophy, increased prize money, and a promise to elevate women’s football across the continent. But instead of cheers, confusion filled the air on launch day as fans and media alike asked one burning question: Where is the trophy?
CAF had hyped the event for weeks, promising the unveiling of a brand new WAFCON trophy on Wednesday, July 2. The trophy, designed to represent the rise of African women’s football, was revealed digitally across CAF's platforms.
However, those attending the physical launch event in Morocco were met with an empty stage. No trophy. No official explanation at least not immediately.
Reports later suggested the delay was due to logistics and late shipment. While the digital reveal went live as scheduled, fans at the scene were disappointed to learn they’d have to wait a few more hours to see the real thing.
Despite the hiccup, CAF made it clear that this new trophy marks a turning point:
Prize money for the champions has increased from $975,000 to $2.4 million.
The trophy redesign is part of a broader move to boost the visibility and prestige of women’s football in Africa.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has been vocal about his mission to reshape African football, and this new trophy stands as a symbol of that vision.
The 2025 WAFCON officially kicks off July 5 in Morocco, with 12 top nations, including Nigeria, South Africa, and hosts Morocco, battling for the crown.
And now, there’s more than national pride at stake. there’s a brand-new trophy waiting to be lifted in Rabat on July 26.
This minor stumble doesn’t erase the bigger picture. CAF has invested in the growth of the women’s game, and this trophy late or not is a step in the right direction. But if there’s one lesson from today’s launch, it’s that African football fans expect more, and rightfully so.
Let’s hope the matches on the pitch bring the kind of excitement and unity that the launch almost missed.
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