Women's AFCON: the five most successful nations

Nigeria dominates the standings, while only three teams have ever lifted the continental trophy

Africa 25 July 2026 at 09:15

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Women's AFCON: the five most successful nations

Since the official launch of the tournament in 1998, Nigeria has imposed an overwhelming dominance. Behind them, only two other nations have managed to lift the trophy.

The honours list of the Women's AFCON reveals a truly remarkable fact: in the thirteen editions held since 1998, only three teams have been crowned champions. Nigeria stands head and shoulders above the rest, while Cameroon and Ghana round out the top five thanks to their numerous final appearances, despite never clinching the title.

The ranking of the top five nations

1. Nigeria: 10 titles

The Super Falcons have claimed the trophy in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2024. Their latest triumph came against Morocco (3-2), after coming from two goals down in the final.

2. Equatorial Guinea: 2 titles

Equatorial Guinea remains the only team to have dethroned Nigeria twice. Nzalang Nacional won at home in 2008, and repeated the feat four years later, again in front of their home fans.

3. South Africa: 1 title

After four lost finals, Banyana Banyana finally secured their first crown in 2022. They overcame Morocco in the final, winning 2-1.

Also read: Women's AFCON: here are the winners of the last ten editions

4. Cameroon: no title

The Indomitable Lionesses have reached three finals since 1998, all lost to Nigeria, in 2004, 2014 and 2016.

5. Ghana: no title

Ghana has also lost three finals, in 1998, 2002 and 2006. The Black Queens, too, have consistently come up against the Nigerian side.

A very exclusive winners' circle

Strictly speaking, there are not five champion nations, but only three. Cameroon and Ghana make this list as the most regular finalists. The expansion of the competition to 16 teams could, however, pave the way for new contenders as early as the 2026 Women's AFCON.