Francisca Ordega, a seasoned forward for the Super Falcons, is brimming with enthusiasm as she rejoins the Nigerian senior women’s national team in their final preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to take place in Morocco this July. Ordega’s return to the squad for a friendly match against Cameroon marks her reintegration into the team following her participation in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Currently training with the team in Ikenne/Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Ordega is eager to contribute her wealth of experience as the Super Falcons gear up for the continental tournament. She emphasizes her willingness to mentor younger players, both on and off the field, sharing her accumulated knowledge and setting a positive example for the team to emulate.
Ordega’s extensive experience and proven track record make her a valuable asset to the Super Falcons. Having participated in numerous international competitions, including multiple WAFCON tournaments and World Cups, she brings a wealth of tactical awareness and a deep understanding of the demands of high-level football. Ordega’s commitment to sharing her insights and guiding her younger teammates underscores her leadership qualities and her dedication to the team’s success. Her presence in the squad not only boosts the team’s attacking prowess but also strengthens their overall morale and cohesion as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
The veteran forward, a four-time WAFCON champion (2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018), exudes confidence in the Super Falcons’ ability to reclaim their continental crown in Morocco. Recognizing the universal desire to win, Ordega stresses the importance of focusing on their own objectives and maintaining a strong belief in their capabilities. She believes that the younger players in the squad, many of whom haven’t experienced the thrill of winning a major international title, are hungry for success and possess the determination to fight for victory. The sting of their previous WAFCON defeat fuels their desire to regain the title and experience the feeling of being African champions once more.
Ordega’s return to the Super Falcons comes at a crucial time as the team prepares for the 2024 WAFCON. Her experience, leadership, and winning mentality will be invaluable as they navigate the challenges of the tournament. The team’s training camp in Ikenne/Ijebu Ode provides an opportunity for the players to fine-tune their strategies, build team chemistry, and prepare for the specific demands of facing their group stage opponents: Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. The friendly match against Cameroon serves as a valuable test, allowing the coaching staff to assess the team’s performance and make necessary adjustments before the start of the WAFCON.
The 2024 WAFCON, scheduled to take place from July 5th to 26th in Morocco, presents a significant opportunity for the Super Falcons to reassert their dominance in African women’s football. Drawn into Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana, Nigeria faces a challenging but navigable path to the knockout stages. Each opponent presents its own unique set of strengths and weaknesses, requiring careful analysis and strategic planning from the Super Falcons’ coaching staff. The team’s success will hinge on their ability to execute their game plan effectively, adapt to different playing styles, and maintain a high level of performance throughout the tournament.
Ordega’s return adds a crucial element of experience and leadership to the Super Falcons’ quest for WAFCON glory. Her willingness to mentor younger players, combined with her proven ability to perform at the highest level, strengthens the team’s overall prospects. As the tournament approaches, the Super Falcons will continue their preparations, focusing on refining their tactics, building team chemistry, and ensuring they are mentally and physically prepared for the challenges ahead. With Ordega’s experience and the determination of the entire squad, the Super Falcons are poised to make a strong showing at the 2024 WAFCON and contend for the coveted African title.
