West Africa has maintained a strong presence at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with four of the region’s eight representatives advancing to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The region entered the competition with defending champions Nigeria, 2024 bronze medallists Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and debutants Cape Verde all hoping to make an impact.
After the group-stage battles, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire have emerged as West Africa’s representatives in the knockout phase.
Defending champions Nigeria overcame a difficult start to their campaign to finish strongly and secure their place in the quarter-finals with six points from three matches.
Ghana, who claimed bronze at the previous edition, also booked their place in the last eight after collecting four points, recording one win, one draw and one defeat.
Cameroon enjoyed an unbeaten group-stage campaign, winning two matches and drawing one to progress with seven points, while Côte d’Ivoire also secured their quarter-final ticket after winning two of their three matches and drawing the other.
For the remaining West African sides, the group stage proved to be the end of the road, although several managed respectable points hauls.
Senegal and Mali both finished their campaigns with four points, while Burkina Faso collected three points. Debutants Cape Verde, despite failing to progress, earned one point in their historic first appearance at the continental showpiece.
With four teams now carrying the region’s hopes into the knockout stage, West Africa remains firmly in contention for the WAFCON crown.
Nigeria will be looking to retain the title they won in 2024, while Ghana will be hoping to go a step further after their bronze-medal finish two years ago. Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire will also be targeting deep runs as the competition enters its decisive phase.
Beyond continental glory, the performances at the 2026 WAFCON also carry added significance as African nations look ahead to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. With the continent seeking to strengthen its representation on the global stage, West Africa will be hoping its remaining representatives can go all the way and also help secure more qualification spots for the region.
For now, four remain standing, with West Africa’s hopes of retaining the WAFCON crown firmly alive.
By: Victoria Kwofie
