Is there a future for women's football in Africa?

Got an opinion? Express it here. Each week we throw up a different subject to let followers of African football have their say. Some of your views will be read on Fast Track - the BBC's African sports programme.

Africa's representatives had a poor showing at the 2003 women's World Cup finals.

In contrast to their quarter-final performance at the 1999 finals, Nigeria's Super Falcons failed to advance beyond the preliminary round, losing their matches to North Korea, the USA and Sweden.

Ghana's Black Queens did marginally better, getting their first World Cup victory with a 2-1 win over Australia.

But defeats to China and Russia ended their dream of a quarter-final place.

Do you think Nigeria, the reigning African champions, have let the continent down?

Should Ghana be proud that they have registered the country's first-ever victory at the World Cup?

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What do you think is responsible for the poor performance of Africa's representatives at this tournament?

No matter how controversial your views might be, use the form on the right to have your say.

Many followers of the women's game believed the Super Falcons could do better than they did in 99. The fact they failed to do so is understandable especially since Nigeria played against the two of the best women's teams in the world in Sweden and the USA. We need to develop our women's football more, just like we have developed our men's football.
Tope.F, Lagos, Nigeria

It is a pity that only Nigeria and Ghana seem to be pushing women's football forward in Africa soccer; but I do want to say WELL DONE to both teams. I think there is hope for Africa's women in the future but the people in-charge need to wake up from a little. The Nigerian's problem is their coach, who played many players out of position.
Soji, Lagos, Nigeria

Like the men's game in Africa women's football seems to be getting worse and I sill maintain that Africa's footballers seem to be better talkers than they are players.
Anderson Emmy Snr, Nigeria.

Rome was not built in a day or indeed in a decade. To become a world force in any sport takes time, a lot of hard work and a little money. To expect the Africa's women to compete with the professional ladies of the USA and the like is asking a little much. Over time more young African ladies will play football and as the perception of ladies in football changes we will see an improvement.
Sunday Adeyemi Adepegba, United Kingdom

Absolutely not, the money used in women's football could better be used to develop the enormous young male talent that is lying untapped all over Africa. Investing in women's football does not make any social or business sense at individual or community level.
Odindi Odhiambo, South Africa

I don't think Ghana performed badly if you compare their losses with those suffered by some other countries. Nigeria were however very disappointing because a lot was expected from them. Ghana did very well and I hope next time they will do even better
Richard Coleman, Australia

Well the Nigerians did well despite the fact they failed to score a single goal, their play was let down by the number of penalties given against them. Despite the coaches not seeming to have an effective strategy they played well but still need to improve.
Micke, USA

Nigeria's early exit isn't a matter of letting the continent down, but rather just confirmation of my earlier doubts over the technical strength of the African teams. While the North Americans and Asians are making advances in the women's game their African challengers aren't. Until football administrators in Africa come to terms with the need for continuity, dedication and patriotism, I don't see any miracles happening for now!
Dayo Shittu, Ontario, Canada.

Given Nigeria's tough group no one really expected them to go beyond the first round but conceding 11 straight goals without a reply was unexpected. Ghana too should have done better against Russia. It was clear that the African teams did not fully prepare for the tournament. These countries along with South Africa and Morocco should start their preparations for the next World Cup now.
Ebenezer Mensah, Woodbridge, VA, USA

I think that women's football in Africa still has a lot of development to do. They're not at the same level as the rest of the continents, but I think it is only a matter of time.
Matheus Pichonelli, Brazil

I guess most African teams have problem preparing for major tournaments. Africa has a great potential in women's football if they are given the necessary support. In my opinion, I think an African team could reach the reach the semi-final at the next World Cup finals.
Stephen Addo Darko, Accra, Ghana

Those who think that the Super Falcons let Nigeria down are those who were expecting too much from a team full of players whose best days are behind them. The withdrawal of Pepsi from the sponsoring a women's league in Nigeria has affected the standard of the game. The Nigerian FA should at ways of raising the standard by encouraging a strong local league.
Patrick Omorodion, Lagos, Nigeria

I think Nigeria shot itself in the foot by changing its style of play to suit the European and American style. Just few hours before one of the games Nigeria's strength was highlighted on ESPN but when they played the game that toughness wasn't evident.With the proper programs and incentive, African Women teams can surely make an impact on the international scene.
Teakon Williams,Columbia, Maryland, U.S.A.