2023 Women's World Cup: African teams in choppy waters

Zambia had been enjoying the best preparation of any side heading into the Women's World Cup, scheduled for 20 July to 20 August in Australia and New Zealand. Beaten by Ireland (3-2), the Copper Queens held Switzerland to a 3-3 draw, before claiming a prestigious win over Germany, ranked 2nd in the FIFA rankings. That pointed to a promising campaign in Australia and New Zealand. Unfortunately, the Zambia squad have been hit by a sexual assault scandal. And the man at the centre of it is none other than the current head coach, Bruce Mwape. The coach stands accused of sexual abuse. The English outlet The Guardian broke the story on Saturday 08 July 2023. The Guardian says the accusers are players. The president of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has broken his silence. Andrew Kamanga stated that the matter is in the hands of the police. FIFA is also following the case very closely. At the World Cup, Zambia share Group C with Japan, Costa Rica and Spain.

Read more: Zambia (W): head coach Bruce Mwape accused of sexual abuse

A bonus row weighs down the South Africa squad

As reigning African champions, South Africa are not spared problems either. The players even boycotted a friendly against Botswana over a bonus dispute. The players lament the disparities in appearance and results bonuses between the men's and women's teams. Banyana Banyana have even directly attacked the South African Football Association. Since then, things have turned sour. A former international has also waded into the row, severely criticising SAFA and coach Desiree Ellis. Yet the day after their historic Africa Cup of Nations triumph, the federation's president had announced that Banyana Banyana would receive the same bonuses as their male counterparts. "The bonuses for taking part in the Women's World Cup are almost the same as the bonuses for Bafana Bafana (the men's team) at the AFCON", said the South African Football Association spokesman, Dominic Chimhavi.

2023 Women's World Cup – South Africa: players in open conflict with the federation

Faced with this conflict, Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa decided to step in as a firefighter. He met the country's players' union (SAFPU). The current CAF president Patrice Motsepe has also stepped in to resolve the pay dispute. To that end, the Motsepe Foundation has put 320,000 dollars (nearly 294,000 euros) on the table. The money is to be shared among the 23 players taking part in the Women's World Cup. Federation officials announced it at a press conference in Johannesburg. Everything now seems to be going well for the South Africans, who are currently in Wellington, New Zealand. Banyana Banyana are in Group G with Argentina, Italy and Sweden.

In Nigeria, the coach airs his frustration

Unlike the South Africa squad, bonus rows have become commonplace with the Nigerian football federation. The Super Falcons and their head coach Randy Waldrum have not been paid bonuses for ages. Every day brings fresh promises from the federation. Faced with this situation, the Super Falcons coach has spoken out. "Until about 3 weeks ago, they owed me about 14 months of salary, then they decided to pay me 7 months of salary. We have players who haven't been paid since the summer tour 2 years ago in the United States, it's a joke. I'm not going to keep quiet any more... In October, every federation received $960,000 from FIFA to prepare for the World Cup. Where is that money? FIFA allows up to 22 members in your staff, we only have 11. We don't have video analysts to analyse our opponents," the American coach said angrily.

The players reportedly also threatened to boycott their opening match at the World Cup. A rumour swiftly dismissed by captain Onome Ebi. "I have no idea where this boycott talk is coming from. We have never had such conversations about it; we are doing well in training and ready for the World Cup", the Super Falcons captain said in an interview with the Nigerian football federation's website. Nigeria begin their World Cup on 21 July against Canada. They then take on Australia on the 27th and Ireland on the 31st.

Morocco, the exception

Morocco are so far the only team spared these problems. The Atlas Lionesses have already arrived in Australia. The African runners-up played several friendlies. And they were rather convincing, with wins over Slovakia (3-0) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-0). They also held Italy (2-2) and Switzerland (0-0) to draws. A good omen for the Moroccans at the Women's World Cup. They share Group H with Colombia, Germany and South Korea.