Eniola Aluko impressed by African women's football growth

The football executive says African female players are breaking new ground and inspiring a new generation of talent.

Her comments come as the continent continues to make historic strides on the global stage.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Aluko said she has been encouraged by the progress made by African teams and players in recent years.

“Internationally, African women's national teams can compete. We saw three national teams qualify for the knockout stages at the World Cup in Australia — Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa — and that was amazing because that’s without necessarily having a developed league,” said Aluko.

“There’s so much talent in Africa. You’re seeing African players in the US like Barbra Banda and Asisat Oshoala doing amazing work.”

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For the first time in history, three African nations reached the knockout stages of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The continent’s progress has also been reflected individually, with Zambia captain Barbra Banda and Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga finishing 14th and 17th respectively in the 2025 Ballon d’Or women’s rankings.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper was also named the fourth-best in the world at the same awards.

Aluko, now a UEFA ambassador, visited Eswatini alongside the Confederation of African Football and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to launch a vaccine awareness campaign.

Through CAF’s support and its member associations, including COSAFA, the Goal Getters initiative will use youth tournaments to educate children about the importance of vaccines in preventing deadly diseases.

The project began at Somhlolo National Stadium, where 400 children attending the CAF African Schools Football Championship took part in the awareness programme.

The Nigerian-born football executive said she joined the campaign out of her commitment to give back to Africa through sport.

“I’m very passionate about the development of Africa in all areas — whether it’s football or business — but health is a big part of that,” Aluko added.

“Football is such a unifier, and in this continent it has a huge impact on social development.”

“The big part of it is making sure that we are giving knowledge and confidence through football, and educating so that children can empower themselves and others.”