Super Falcons are back, and they’re on a mission! As the record nine-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champions, Nigeria’s historic dominance of continental football is absolutely unrivalled. We’re talking about a legacy of pure power, skill, and sheer determination that has made them the queens of African football for decades.
But let’s be real: even champions face challenges. The Super Falcons have racked up an incredible 48 wins from 61 games across 12 editions of the finals since 1998 – that’s a mind-blowing record! However, lately, that aura of invincibility has, well, faded a little. Despite still being the top-ranked side in Africa, recent performances have shown that the rest of the continent is rapidly catching up.
After the heartbreak of a semi-final defeat in 2022, where they fell short of their usual glory, the Super Falcons are returning to Morocco this month with a burning desire for unfinished business. This isn’t just another tournament; it’s a quest for redemption, a fight to reclaim their rightful place at the very top!
A New Era, A Blend of Talent: Madugu’s Mission
Leading this charge is interim head coach Justin Madugu. He took over the reins from Randy Waldrum in September, following a somewhat meek exit from the 2024 Olympic Games. Madugu, who previously served as Waldrum’s assistant, knows the team inside out, and he’s brimming with confidence that our West African queens can reclaim their crown.
He’s assembled a squad that’s a thrilling blend of youth and experience, aiming to harness the raw energy of new talent with the seasoned wisdom of veterans. This mix is crucial for a tournament as demanding as WAFCON, where every game is a battle.
And who are some of the familiar faces leading the charge? Oh, you know them!
- Asisat Oshoala: The phenomenal six-time African Women’s Player of the Year! Her scoring prowess and leadership are absolutely vital.
- Francisca Ordega: A four-time WAFCON winner and an experienced forward who’s returned to the squad after more than a year out. Her presence and winning mentality are invaluable.
- Chiamaka Nnadozie: Twice named the continent’s best goalkeeper, her safe hands and commanding presence between the sticks are a huge asset.
Madugu himself is confident, stating, “Currently we are rated as number one in Africa. Aside from that, we have won this tournament several times and we are mindful of the aspirations and expectations.” This shows he’s aware of the pressure, but also the inherent quality of his team.
The Challenge: Rebuilding and Reasserting Dominance
But here’s the honest truth: this isn’t going to be easy. Almost half of the players from the 2022 squad are not involved this time, including former captain Desire Oparanozie. Madugu openly admits his squad is a “work in progress.” This means new combinations, new dynamics, and a need for quick cohesion.
The last tournament in 2022 was a sobering reminder that the rest of Africa has indeed caught up. Nigeria lost three matches – to eventual champions South Africa, hosts Morocco, and Zambia – and slumped to a fourth-place finish. That performance matched their worst-ever WAFCON showing, a stark wake-up call for a team accustomed to winning. It showed that the gap has closed, and every opponent is now a serious threat.
A Golden Era to Rekindle: ‘Mission X’
The Super Falcons’ golden era stretches all the way back to 1991 when WAFCON – then called the African Women’s Championship – was first introduced. Nigeria won that inaugural edition and then went on to win an incredible seven of the next eight tournaments! Their ninth title came in 2018, when they famously beat South Africa 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw. That’s a legacy of sheer dominance!
Experienced forward Francisca Ordega, who brings that winning experience back to the squad, is feeling positive. “Everyone wants this title back,” the 31-year-old told BBC Sport Africa. She understands the hunger within the team, especially among the newer players. “Most of these girls have not played (WAFCON) before and I think they really want to win. Everybody wants to make a name for themselves.” That fresh ambition, combined with veteran leadership, could be a powerful recipe for success!
Nigeria has boldly branded their bid for a tenth triumph at the finals as ‘Mission X’. Leading them on the field is Rasheedat Ajibade, who was one of the joint top scorers at the 2022 tournament, now captaining the side. She’s a force to be reckoned with, but she’s also realistic.
“Despite the talent in our team, we haven’t had much time to bond,” Ajibade admitted. “The little time we have now, we hope we can pull out something.” This honesty underscores the challenge of integrating new players and building chemistry in a short period.
The Road to Glory: Group Stage Battles
The Super Falcons will begin their ‘Mission X’ with challenging group stage matches against Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. These are not easy opponents, and every game will require their full focus and effort.
Their preparations for the tournament have seen some promising results: friendly victories against Algeria and Cameroon, followed by a goalless draw against Portugal in Lisbon, and a strong 3-1 victory over Ghana. These results suggest a team that’s finding its rhythm and building confidence.
Can the Super Falcons overcome the challenges, rekindle their golden era, and bring home that coveted tenth WAFCON trophy? The entire nation will be watching, cheering them on every step of the way. ‘Mission X’ is officially on! Let’s go, Falcons!
