Connect with us

sports

WAFCON Finals Expand to 16 Teams from 2026 Edition

Published

on

WAFCON

CAF announces expansion of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations from 12 to 16 teams starting 2026, boosting competition and investment in women’s football

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals will expand from 12 to 16 teams starting with the 2026 edition, The PUNCH reports.

Advertisement

Also read: Imisi wins Big Brother Naija amid fierce backlash

Initially, next year’s tournament in Morocco was scheduled for 12 teams, with qualifying already at its final stage.

The expansion will likely introduce an additional qualifying round, as 11 teams vie for the remaining four spots.

More details are expected after CAF’s executive committee meeting currently underway in Kinshasa.

Advertisement

Since its inception in 1998 as an eight-team event, WAFCON held steady at that format until 2018.

The 2020 edition was cancelled due to COVID-19 but returned in 2022 with 12 teams.

CAF has shown strong commitment to developing women’s football, increasing the prize fund for the 2022 tournament in Morocco by 45% to $3.45 million.

Advertisement

Nigeria, champions with a record 10 titles, took home $1 million.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed satisfaction with the progress of women’s football across Africa.

Also read: Imisi wins Big Brother Naija amid fierce backlash

“I am pleased with the progress we’ve made in women’s African football,” Motsepe said. “My goal is to ensure men and women are paid well and can build careers in football. Women’s football will continue to improve as it is a major focus area for us.”

Advertisement
WAFCON

WAFCON Finals Expand to 16 Teams

WAFCON

WAFCON Finals Expand to 16 Teams

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

sports

Liverpool Releases Moving Biography Honouring Diogo Jota

Published

on

Liverpool Diogo Jota biography, Forever in Our Hearts, celebrates the late forward’s life, career and legacy, with profits funding grassroots football

Liverpool Football Club have released a new biography celebrating the life and legacy of former forward Diogo Jota, with all profits from the book set to support a grassroots football programme being established in his name through the LFC Foundation.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

Titled ‘Forever in Our Hearts’, the biography was written by Portuguese author and former professional footballer José Delgado and published by Reach Sport. Liverpool announced the release on Thursday, October 22, 2026, through a post on the club’s official X account.

Advertisement

The book traces Jota’s journey from his early years in Portugal to his rise as one of his generation’s respected forwards and a much-loved member of the Liverpool football family.

Drawing on interviews with family members, friends, teammates and coaches, the biography offers a personal account of the footballer’s character, professional achievements and relationships beyond the pitch.

Contributors include Jota’s wife, Rute, his parents, Isabel and Joaquim, and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, alongside more than 90 other people who knew him throughout his life and career.

Advertisement

Their recollections highlight Jota’s determination, humility and commitment to football, while exploring the personal qualities that earned him affection among teammates, supporters and colleagues.

The biography also celebrates the close bond between Jota and his brother, André Silva, reflecting on the impact both men had on those around them and the wider football community.

Jota enjoyed significant success during his career, winning the Premier League with Liverpool and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

Advertisement

His performances, work ethic and contribution to the teams he represented helped establish his reputation in European football.

However, ‘Forever in Our Hearts’ also confronts the tragedy of July 2025, when Jota and André died, leaving family members, friends, teammates and supporters mourning their loss.

Delgado said the project began as an effort to preserve Jota’s memory during a period of profound sadness, with a commitment to presenting an honest and respectful account of the lives of both brothers.

Advertisement

“My commitment throughout was to tell his story with care, honesty and respect for Diogo, André, and the family and friends who loved them,” Delgado said.

The author added that the willingness of those closest to the brothers to share their memories had helped capture their personalities and the depth of affection they inspired.

Reflecting on Jota’s relationship with Liverpool, Delgado said the accounts gathered during his research revealed qualities extending beyond his footballing ability, including humility, dedication and personal character.

Advertisement

He expressed hope that the biography would provide a lasting tribute while inspiring future generations of footballers.

The book is available through official Liverpool FC stores and online, with proceeds directed towards the grassroots football programme being developed in Jota’s name through the LFC Foundation.

The release forms part of Liverpool’s continuing efforts to honour the forward and his brother. Earlier in 2026, the club unveiled a permanent memorial outside Anfield, giving supporters a dedicated place to remember the brothers and reflect on their legacy.

Advertisement

Through the biography and the planned community football initiative, Liverpool is seeking to ensure that Jota’s influence endures beyond his playing career, helping create opportunities for young people to participate in the sport he loved.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

The project combines remembrance with a practical commitment to grassroots development, offering a way for Jota’s passion for football to continue benefiting future generations.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending