Introduction

“They’re some of the best footballers and athletes that I’ve ever played alongside.”

The Women’s World Cup kicks off today. Zambia, Morocco, South Africa and Nigeria will represent the continent in Australia and New Zealand. They’ll all be hoping to get to the final in four weeks’ time.

While women’s football has developed at a dramatic pace in the last few years, it’s still a way behind the men’s game - with players sometimes struggling for resources… and respect.

So what will it take for an African team to lift the Women’s World Cup?

For Africa Daily, @mpholakaje discusses the issues involved with the BBC’s sport reporter @isaac_fanin– and hears from Nigeria’s Ashleigh Plumptre (@ashplumptre) and some of the other players taking part.