The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s formidable women’s national football team and nine-time African champions, are embarking on a crucial preparatory journey as they gear up for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. Their itinerary includes a strategically planned friendly match against Portugal’s senior women’s national team in Lisbon, serving as a valuable test of their readiness for the continental tournament. This friendly, scheduled for Monday evening at the Estádio José Gomes, marks another step in their pre-tournament preparations, following a recent 2-0 victory against Cameroon in Abeokuta earlier this month. Coach Justin Madugu and his squad have been diligently honing their skills and strategies during training sessions at the MKO Abiola National Stadium and the Turf Arena, ensuring they are primed for the challenges ahead.
The Super Falcons’ quest for a remarkable tenth continental title underscores their dominance in African women’s football. Having clinched nine out of the twelve championships contested since the tournament’s inception in 1998, the Falcons have etched their name as Africa’s most decorated women’s national team. Their participation in the 2024 WAFCON, scheduled to run from July 5th to 26th, carries the weight of expectation, as they aim to further solidify their legacy. The tournament draw has placed them in Group B, alongside Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria, with the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca designated as their battleground. Their journey to Lisbon commenced with a flight from Abuja to Casablanca, followed by a connecting trip to the Portuguese capital, where they’ll face Portugal before their final pre-tournament friendly against Ghana.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) unveiled a 24-player squad for the tournament, marking the return of key figures like star forward Asisat Oshoala and defender Ashleigh Plumptre. However, the notable absence of Washington Spirit striker Gift Monday has sparked discussion and speculation. The squad boasts a blend of experience and emerging talent, with seasoned players like goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Tochukwu Oluehi, defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Christy Ucheibe, and forward Francisca Ordega providing a solid foundation. They are joined by US-based defender Michelle Alozie, Saudi Arabia-based Ashleigh Plumptre, captain Rasheedat Ajibade, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde, Jennifer Echegini, and Toni Payne, as well as forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo.
The selected players have been diligently preparing for the tournament, undergoing rigorous training sessions under the watchful eyes of Coach Madugu and his assistants. Their training regimen has been designed to refine their tactical awareness, enhance their individual skills, and foster a cohesive team spirit, crucial elements for success in a high-stakes competition like the WAFCON. The return of Oshoala and Plumptre adds further firepower and defensive stability to the squad, bolstering their chances of a deep run in the tournament.
Following the friendly against Portugal, the Super Falcons will engage in another preparatory encounter against Ghana’s Black Queens in Morocco on June 29th, providing a final opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and assess their performance before the tournament kick-off. The Black Queens have already arrived in Benslimane, Morocco, for their own 14-day training camp, emphasizing the seriousness and dedication of the participating teams. These pre-tournament friendlies offer invaluable match practice and allow coaches to experiment with different formations and player combinations, crucial aspects of pre-tournament preparation.
The Super Falcons’ journey to the 2024 WAFCON is a testament to their enduring commitment to excellence in African women’s football. Their rich history, coupled with their current form and meticulous preparations, positions them as strong contenders for the coveted title. The upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Ghana will serve as crucial benchmarks of their progress and provide valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses. As the tournament draws near, the Super Falcons are focused and determined to make their mark, aiming to add another chapter to their storied history and bring glory to Nigeria. They carry the hopes and aspirations of a nation eager to witness their continued dominance on the African stage.
