The Ninth edition of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 started on the 20th of July and will run through to August 20th, 2023 with New Zealand and Australia as hosts. In this article, we would take a look at Africa's representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: A look At Africa's representatives at FIFA Women's World Cup
For the First time in the history of the FIFA Women's World Cup, Africa has four teams; Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia among the 32 participating countries.
In the 9 editions of the FIFA Women's World Cup, 8 African countries have participated; Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia. Nigeria has a record 9 appearances while Morocco and Zambia are making their debut in a FIFA Women's world cup.
Africa's best performance was made by Nigeria , when they reached the last 8 in the 1999 edition. Cameroon has the second best performance with a Round of 16 finish in 2015.
What can we expect from the four African participants?
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| Super Falcons Of Nigeria |
1. The Super Falcons of Nigeria
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have always been fierce competitors at the international stage, the fourteen-time African Champions have always given a good account of themselves. An opening day draw with Canada might have been a surprise to some, but coach Landry Waldrum will be confident of his charges to do the needful and make Africa proud again.
Nigeria boasts several top talents in their ranks including Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala and Pitts Women's soccer Abiodom.
Nigeria's captain Onome Ebi is a seasoned professional and comes to Australia as one of the oldest player of the tournament, making her sixth appearance in the global showpiece.
Up Next for Nigeria
-Nigeria Vs Australia (27/07/2023)
-Nigeria Vs Republic of Ireland (31/07/2023)
2. Banyana Banyana of South Africa
In recent years, South Africa has grown to be one of the most feared teams in African Female football currently ranked 3rd in the continent and 56th Globally. South Africa comes to this world cup as African Champions.
This is their second consecutive participating after 2019. South Africa are drawn in Group G alongside Italy, Sweden and Argentina.
Their opening day defeat to Sweden would have deflated the team somewhat, but the Banyanya Banyana can count on their champions mentality led by Veteran Captain Van Wyk if Coach Ellis Desire's girls want to go one better this time around.
South Africa is currently third in their group, below the strengths of Sweden, Italy, and just above South American opponents, Argentina.
Up Next for South Africa
- South Africa vs Argentina (28/07/2023)
- South Africa Vs Italy (02/08/2023 )
3. The Atlas Lionesses of Morocco
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| Atlas Lionesses Of Morocco |
The Atlas Lionesses of Morocco is one less heralded teams from Africa who will be making their debut at the FIFA Women's World Cup.
They have a record for being one of the first Arab counties to participate in the competition.
The Moroccan Ladies have not had a very bright history in the Women's Africa Nation's Cup, but have been able to win other competitions like the 2020 UNAF Women's Cup.
Morocco is Ranked 7th in Africa and 78 in the world records.
Although the 6 nil trouncing by Germany was a brutal reminder of the gulf in Quality with what the Lionesses are used to, Coach Reynald Pedros and Captain Ghizlane Chebbak will be looking to drive the young team to make their mark in their inaugural Women's World Cup Appearance.
Morocco was Drawn into Group H alongside Colombia, Germany, and South Korea.
Up Next for Morocco
- Morocco Vs South Korea (30/07/2023)
- Morocco vs Colombia (03/08/2023)
4. The Copper Bullets of Zambia
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| Copper Bullets of Zambia |
The Copper Bullets of Zambia are known to be the latest African rising stars in Female Football. The Zambian ladies are known for their enthusiasm and joyous nature when they move in and out of every encounter.
The Copper Bullets were brilliant at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, where their top striker Banda Barbra was able to create a record for scoring back-to-back hard tricks in a competition.
The Zambian Ladies created history in the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations where they got a free ticket to Australia for the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Zambia is currently ranked 12th in Africa and 98th in the world.
The team's World Cup preparations were rocked by numerous accusations of sexual assault by the team's coach Bruce Mwape, and 5-0 thrashing from the Japanese might not have done much to lighten the mood.
The Copper Bullets are currently rock-bottom of their Group which also includes Spain and Costa Rica.
Up Next for Morocco
- Zambia Vs Spain (26/07/2023)
- Zambia Vs Costa Rica (31/07/20230
Africa Joins the president of the Confederation of African Football Dr. Patrice Motsepe to wish South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, and Morocco a great experience and calls on all teams to follow the great milestone of Morocco at the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Also Read: What Are The Rules For Promotion and Relegation in Cameroon Football Leagues?