The continent’s football powerhouses are circling like predators as the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations begins in Morocco this weekend, with every nation harbouring ambitions of denting the Super Falcons’ legacy in African women’s football, PETER AKINBO writes
Nine-time
champions Nigeria arrive in the Kingdom of Morocco as overwhelming favourites, their legacy casting a long shadow over the tournament that kicks off on Saturday (today).
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The Super Falcons, winners of the inaugural edition on home soil in 1998, have since claimed the continental crown in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018, a dominance that has become the standard by which all others measure themselves.
Yet beneath the surface of Nigeria’s expected supremacy lies a bubbling cauldron of ambition from nations desperate to break the West African stranglehold. Morocco, buoyed by their runners-up finish in 2022 and the advantage of home support, lead the charge. South Africa, the defending champions, return with quiet confidence. Zambia, bronze medallists from the last edition, boast the continent’s most feared striker in Barbra Banda.
The tournament’s expanded prize structure reflects its growing stature – a record $1 million awaits the winners, with the runners-up claiming $500,000 and third and fourth-placed teams earning $350,000 and $300,000 respectively. Such financial incentives have sharpened appetites across the continent.
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Coach Justine Madugu has assembled what he believes is the perfect blend of experience and youth for Nigeria’s “Mission X”, their quest for a tenth title.
The squad drips with quality, anchored by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Africa’s best shot-stopper for the second consecutive year. The defence, marshalled by veteran Osinachi Ohale, combines experience with the energy of youngsters like Ashleigh Plumptre and Michelle Alozie.
“We are very focused on our realisable and achievable target of Mission X. The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory, and team spirit is high,” Madugu told thenff.com following their comfortable victory over Ghana in their final warm-up match.
Rasheedat Ajibade, who has traversed every level of Nigerian women’s football, embodies the team’s winning mentality.
“For us, effort is everything. We’ll demonstrate what we’re capable of and continue to build on our existing strengths. We have an incredible group of talented players,” she said during a CAF webinar.
The midfield engine room, featuring the likes of Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, and the industrious Toni Payne, provides the platform for attack-minded stars Asisat Oshoala and Francisca Ordega to wreak havoc.
Oshoala, the six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, brings her wealth of European experience to bear, whilst Ordega’s inclusion – questioned by some pundits – was vindicated by her impressive showing against Portugal in Lisbon.
Nigeria’s opening assignment comes against Tunisia in Casablanca on Sunday, a fixture that historically favours the Super Falcons. The North Africans, ranked 89th in the world and appearing in only their third WAFCON, represent the type of opponent Nigeria must dispatch with authority if they are to silence the growing chorus of challengers.
Hosts face Zambia in opener
Morocco’s preparations have been meticulous under Spanish coach Jorge Vilda, the architect of Spain’s 2023 World Cup triumph. The Atlas Lionesses, spearheaded by the dynamic Sanaa Mssoudy, carry the hopes of a nation that has invested heavily in women’s football infrastructure. Their 2022 final appearance was no fluke – it was the culmination of years of strategic planning.
Hosts traditionally perform well in WAFCON openers, winning their first match in 11 of the previous 12 editions. Morocco begin their campaign against Zambia on Saturday evening in Rabat, where the Copper Queens will provide the first test of host nation nerves.
Zambia’s transformation from also-rans to bronze medallists has been remarkable. The emergence of Banda, Africa’s all-time leading Olympic scorer, provides them with a weapon few can match. The Orlando Pride striker missed the 2022 finals but returns with a point to prove and goals to score.
Defenders missing Golden Boot winner and others
South Africa’s title defence begins without their 2022 Golden Boot winner, Thembi Kgatlana, who withdrew for personal reasons. The burden of expectation now falls on experienced campaigners like Jermaine Seoposenwe, who has announced this will be her final international tournament.
The continental chess game extends beyond the traditional powers. Mali return to the finals for the first time since 2018, led by prolific striker Aissata Traore. Tanzania, the lowest-ranked team in the competition, arrive with Clara Luvanga spearheading their attack – a 20-year-old with ambitions of continental stardom.
As the tournament unfolds across Morocco’s modern stadia, the question remains whether Nigeria’s golden generation can extend their remarkable dynasty or if African women’s football is ready for a new chapter. The continent’s rising powers believe their time has come, but the Super Falcons have heard such whispers before – and have usually responded with goals and trophies.
The stage is set for a compelling month of football, where legacy meets ambition, and where Africa’s finest will battle not just for silverware, but for the right to shape the future of women’s football on the continent.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
