Canadian players getting international experience playing in Women's African Cup of Nation soccer tournament

As of late, the attention of the football world was on Gianni Infantino’s ridiculous and failed proposal to sell off future World Cup profits to private investors.

While this drama has played out, actual brilliant football continues to be played and lies at the feet of African women. The Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) runs July 26-Aug. 16, with 16 teams vying for the championship to be played in Rabat, Morocco.

There have already been some thrilling results. Malawi — in its WAFCON debut — beat 10-time winners and defending champs Nigeria 3-2.  Algeria, Cameroon and hosts Morocco have already advanced to the quarterfinals.

The tournament has had its issues. Initially scheduled for March, it was postponed four months for what Moroccan officials described as “unforeseen circumstances.” Broadcasts rights were only secured a week before the tournament’s start, and attendance has been spotty.

Regardless, WAFCON has a positive effect on women’s soccer, even as far away as  Canada. 

The Northern Super League (NSL) has three players participating: AFC Toronto teammates Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria’s Super Falcons) and Linda Owusu Ansah (Ghana’s Black Queens), and Montreal Roses’s Evelyn Badu (Ghana).

Although it is not an official international window, the players have received blessings and support from their clubs. 

NSL president Christina Litz said the league is celebrating the trio’s participation in WAFCON and are cheering them on from Canada. 

“Our mission to be a top women's league in the world demands that we be a destination for top players from all around the world,” Litz said. “When NSL players are selected to play for their national team it is an indicator that we are achieving that goal and we know great