International Women’s Day: African women redefining football on and off the pitch
Women across Africa have carved their names into football history, whether as players, referees, administrators, or business leaders. Their influence continues to open doors and inspire new generations to pursue football careers.
As the world marks International Women’s Day, Confederation of African Football (CAF) recognises the vital role women have played in shaping African football.
"Often the unsung heroes, their dedication and contributions have been instrumental in the sport’s growth. From pioneers to the new generation, their impact continues to drive progress and inspire change. Football in Africa is stronger today because of their unwavering commitment, and CAF remains dedicated to supporting and empowering women in the game," an official statement reads.
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Women across Africa have carved their names into football history, whether as players, referees, administrators, or business leaders. Their influence continues to open doors and inspire new generations to pursue football careers.
From historic goal scorers like Nigeria’s Rita Nwadike, who netted Africa’s first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup goal in 1995, to Zambia’s Barbra Banda, who made history in 2023 by scoring the tournament’s 1,000th goal, African women continue to leave their mark on the game.
Asisat Oshoala and Ajara Nchout thrilled fans with unforgettable goals in 2019, while Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina broke barriers as the first hijab-wearing player at a World Cup.
Off the pitch, Fatma Samoura reshaped football administration as FIFA’s first female and non-European Secretary General, and Khadija Timera fights for African players’ rights at FIFPRO.
Meanwhile, Jessica Motaung drives football business at Kaizer Chiefs, and Grammy-winning artist Tems made history by becoming the first African woman to own a U.S. football club.
Icons of the Game
Nigerian footballer Rita Nwadike made history in 1995 by scoring the first-ever goal by an African woman at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Since then, African players have continued to shine on the global stage.
In 2019, Asisat Oshoala’s clinical finish against South Korea and Ajara Nchout’s last-minute goal against New Zealand cemented their names in football history.
Reflecting on her moment, Nchout said, "That day, we proved that we are Lionesses. If you panic under pressure, you miss. You have to stay calm and control the ball," seen in CAF’s official communication site.
In 2023, Zambia’s Barbra Banda added another milestone by scoring the 1,000th goal in Women’s World Cup history. A year later, Racheal Kundananji set a new record as the most expensive African female footballer, signing with Bay FC in the NWSL for Sh112 million. That record was soon surpassed in 2025 when Naomi Girma moved to Chelsea for Sh143 million.
Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina also made history in 2023 as the first hijab-wearing player to compete at a FIFA Women’s World Cup.
"Years of hard work have led to this moment, and the result has been overwhelmingly positive," she told Al Jazeera. Her presence on the global stage highlighted the growing inclusivity in football.
Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga has paved the way for female referees in African football. In 2022, she became the first woman to officiate an AFCON match and was later chosen among the elite referees for the FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar.
Fatma Samoura’s appointment as FIFA’s first female and non-European Secretary General marked a turning point in global football leadership.
Reflecting on her journey, she said, "My experience in conflict zones with the United Nations showed me the power of football in changing lives, especially for women and young girls. This is why I am proud of the progress made in women’s football."
Khadija Timera, a lawyer and former boxer, is now a key voice for African players’ rights at FIFPRO, the world’s largest footballers’ union. "I want to connect with people who share the same goals, those who want to leave a legacy and make a real difference... Opening doors for future generations is my mission," she emphasised.
Jessica Motaung has emerged as a powerful figure in football administration, serving as Marketing Director and Board Member of Kaizer Chiefs while playing a key role in women’s football development within SAFA and the African Clubs Association.
Music and sports shook hands in 2023 when Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Tems made history as the first African woman to own a professional football club in the US, joining San Diego FC as a co-owner under her full name, Temilade Openiyi.
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