Ghana’s Evelyn Badu has called on her fellow female footballers to take an active role in elevating the visibility and support for women’s football across Africa.
As the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off in Morocco, Badu emphasized that increased recognition and investment in the women’s game must be earned through performance and consistency.
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Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Black Queens midfielder admitted that women’s football in Africa still lags far behind the men’s game in terms of popularity and financial backing.
However, she believes the situation can improve — but only if players continue to deliver high-level performances when it matters most.
“It’s up to us as players to raise the standard,” Badu said. “The support may not be there at the level we want, but when we show quality, passion, and competitiveness on the field, more people will take notice.”
She acknowledged the general lack of traction for women’s football across the continent but pointed to tournaments like WAFCON as key platforms for change.
“WAFCON gives us the opportunity to show what we can do. If we make the most of it, the game will grow,” she added.
Badu also emphasized the role of fans, media, and federations in creating a supportive environment for female footballers but insists that change must start from within the game itself.
“We can’t wait for people to take us seriously — we have to make them see the value,” she said.
As teams like Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and others begin their WAFCON campaigns, Badu’s message serves as a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility in growing the women’s game across Africa. The tournament presents not just a chance for glory, but a platform to build lasting momentum for the future.
