FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Could this be Africa’s moment to shine?
Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco stand out among the 12 teams that have reached the knockouts in Australia and New Zealand. This marks a historic moment as Africa sees three teams in a senior World Cup—both for men and women—for the very first time.
Football
Africa's moment has finally arrived at the Women’s World Cup.
That’s the sentiment following the remarkable progress of three African teams – Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco - to the round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
Barely a few months after a historic 2022 men’s World Cup for Africa (with Morocco reaching the semifinals), the women’s squads have set a new record, ensuring that for the first time the continent will be represented by three teams at a senior World Cup.
Nigeria qualified unbeaten, South Africa secured a historic win over Italy, while debutants Morocco became the lowes- ranked team to reach the knockout stage.
Does this herald a new era for African women’s football, which has for years struggled at the junior stages, the league and even at the national level?
Nigeria: Overcoming the odds
The seven-time African champions' qualification for their ninth World Cup was never in doubt. But after all the push to get to the top, the Super Falcons, known for their fighting spirit, were ready to give up on their World Cup opportunity. Two weeks to the tournament, all indications were that the team would travel without their coach, Randy Waldrum, who fell out with the Federation.
And when they finally arrived in Brisbane, the players, weighed down by the incessant pay disputes, vowed not to play their opener against Canada. Were it not for last minute negotiations, Nigeria, who are now playing in the round of 16 for the third time, would have forfeited the game that they eventually drew 0-0.
A win over co-hosts Australia and another goalless draw Ireland seems to have re-energised the 1999 quarter-finalists, who are by far one of the most experienced African teams at the World Cup.
Ten players from their 2019 squad are in Australia. They include five-time African Women's Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala of FC Barcelona and legendary Onome Ebi who has featured at each World Cup since 2003.
But it’s their resolve to remain focussed despite the odds that also helped them advance out of the group, a trait that has earned them admiration all round and even from their coach Waldrum.
“The thing that really impresses me is the fight this team has,” he said.
"It's one thing to have talent and have a good team, but there's something to be said about your heart and what's inside you. That's innate and it's part of their DNA." - Nigerian coach Randy Waldrum.
They will be counting on their stars to see them past England as they dream of matching the accomplishment of undoubtedly one of their most successful football teams, the 1996 Nigerian men’s team which became the African nation to win Olympic gold.
Never count out South Africa
The lead-up to South Africa’s World Cup campaign was equally less than ideal. In fact, most of the players who are grabbing headlines at the tournament nearly would not have made the trip as they, too, had pay dispute issues which were partly resolved hours before their travel to New Zealand.
But once they stepped on the field of play, South Africa, who are bidding to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, played their hearts out.
Banyana Banyana fought hard in their 1-2 loss to Sweden in their first match, and their formidable firepower shone through in their 2-2 draw with Argentina and their upset 3-2 victory over Italy in what was arguably the most thrilling win of the tournament so far.
“We were the underdogs, and I think it worked perfectly for us,” said Thembi Kgatlana, their match winner against Italy who plays for Racing Louisville in the U.S. and who rejoined the team after rupturing her Achilles tendon in July 2022.
“We just told ourselves that we have to fight. We had nothing to lose. They came here with pressure because they are ranked higher than us.”
The southern Africans will take the ‘no pressure’ approach when they take on the Netherlands in Sydney, knowing that their performance has already inspired future generations back home and beyond.
The party continues for Morocco
Morocco has invested a lot in football and is deservedly having its football moment.
Their round of 16 appearance in the Women’s World Cup, barely a few months after their men’s historic semi-final berth, is proof that they are building a strong base for more success stories.
The Atlas Lionesses, playing in their first ever Women’s World Cup, did not only make history as the lowest ranked team (72nd) to reach the knockout stage, but also became the first African women’s team to win two successive matches at the tournament.
Their group opponents may have underestimated them after a 6-0 drubbing against the number-two-ranked German side, and only took note when they surprised Republic of Korea 1-0 in their second match, a game in which their defender Nouhaila Benzima made history by becoming the first player to wear a hijab at the World Cup.
A historic and nervy 1-0 win against Colombia only hit home after the confirmation that they advanced to the last round at Germany’s expense.
“The country must be really proud,” said Anissa Lahmari, who scored the lone goal against Colombia. “Morocco must be lit up right now, and the whole world too, because there are Moroccans everywhere.”
FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Full list of teams qualified for Round of 16
How to watch the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Round of 16
For UK viewers, all fixtures are broadcast live on the BBC or ITV, as well as the broadcaster's respective streaming services, iPlayer and ITVX.
In the US, Fox are broadcasting all fixtures on their live channel, FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App.
FIFA.com also provides complete coverage of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, with live match streams of every fixture on FIFA+.