Fans' Perception and Administrative Influence: Evaluating the Management of the Female African Cup of Nations (FACON) and Its Impact on Team Morale and Performance

The Female African Cup of Nations (FACON) has grown into the premier continental competition for women’s football in Africa. Despite this growth, persistent concerns about administrative inefficiencies, logistics, and fan dissatisfaction threaten its potential to enhance team morale and competitive success. This study adopted a descriptive survey design and collected data from 376 valid respondents across five African countries. Respondents included fans, coaches, and officials. A structured questionnaire measured fan perceptions, support levels, and perceived administrative impact, while inferential statistics, including Pearson Product Moment Correlation, were used to test hypotheses. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Uyo's Research Ethics Committee. Results showed a significant positive relationship between fans’ perceptions of FACON management and their level of support for national teams. Poor logistics, delayed payments, and administrative inefficiencies were reported to negatively affect player morale and competitive performance. Conversely, effective tournament management was linked to increased motivation and stronger fan engagement. The findings underscore that organizational competence is a key driver of both fan loyalty and team performance in African women’s football. CAF and national federations should enhance logistical planning, adopt athlete-centred welfare policies, establish transparent communication strategies, and integrate structured fan engagement mechanisms to improve both perception and performance outcomes.