The much-anticipated Women’s African Cup of Nations, slated for Morocco, begins today, and the fever is already on. The biennial tournaments get underway across Morocco on Saturday, with opposing teams hoping to stop Nigeria’s fairy-tale run in the tournament. David Meshioye previews Super Falcons’ chances after months of hype, pomp and circumstance.
The Super Falcon goes into this year’s tournament with an intimidating record as the only team to have won the trophy 9 times from 11 appearances, with two runners-up medals in 2012 and 2022. This remarkable achievement on African soil is enough to send fear down the spines of any opponents. Little wonder why the opposing team looks at the Nigerian girls with a slight hint of envy and respect. Loaded to the hilt with players armed to the teeth with years of experience and big clout on the international stage, the Nigerian side is rated as potential champions at every Women’s African Cup of Nations.
A lot may have changed since the departure of coach Randy Waldrum, but the players’ insatiable hunger for more glory has continued to position Nigeria as the team to beat in Africa. The 24-woman team looked balanced on paper, coupled with the fact that the girls have been together for nearly six years. A staunch follower of female football in Nigeria can easily hand-pick the team with eyes wide shut. But the omission of Gift Monday, who has been in top form with Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League, sent tongues wagging. Gift has told Nigerians to rally behind the girls in her absence since she bears no grudges against the backroom staff. With hopes and aspirations of Nigerians divided, given the pedigree of the newly-looked coaching staff headed by stoned-faced gaffer, Justine Madugu, the Super Falcons would need to bring their wealth of experience and individual brilliance into play if they are to ward off threats from their two main arch-rival, South Africa and Morocco.
Wealth Of Experience
While this year’s tournament is loaded with emerging African women’s football national teams from South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia, it is difficult to argue against the widespread belief that the Super Falcons’ wealth of experience will once again be put to the test. Nigeria may be the dreaded side every strong team wants to avoid, but there is no gainsaying that other African nations are no longer doing the catch-up but closing the gap. With the baton of leadership passed on to Rashidat Ajibade, the presence of Africa’s most decorated female player, Asisat Oshoala and the return of midfield generalissimo, Halimatu Ayinde will be key to Nigeria’s success in the competition.
The presence of Africa’s best women’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, between the sticks is a present help in times of trouble. Her recent switch from PSG to Brighton and Wolverhampton is coming at no better time than this, and with her new employers set to watch from the stands, Nnadozie will be out to prove to all why she is the continent’s best goalkeeper.
The duo of Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico defender Osinachi Ohale and Galatasaray’s Oluwatosin Demehin will be a handful for opposing strikers, and their wealth of experience will be handy as Nigeria chases a fresh coronation in Morocco. The return of Ashley Plumptre after a long spell with injury is a massive boost for the glory-chasing Nigerian girls, too. The presence of Plumptre will help calm the rearguard during pressure, while fans’ favourite, Michelle Alozie of Houston Dash, will once again demonstrate why she is regarded as the defender with seven lungs.
Fresh wine in an old wineskin
The Nigerian side is a combination of youth and experience. The emergence of Dallas Trinity midfield general, Deborah Abiodun and PSG Jennifer Echegini portend strength and creativity. The duo will enjoy massive support from experienced midfielders like skipper Rashidat Ayinde and Everton Ladies midfielder Tony Payne. The return of Asisat Oshoala, otherwise known as Agba Baller, and Francisca Ordega provides the Super Falcons with two strikers who can bully defenders. The former Barcelona star will be making her sixth appearance in the Nations Cup, gunning for her fourth title in a tournament which appears to be her last.
Also, with coach Madugu bent on amplifying his stance to give home-based players the much-needed exposure, home girls like Miracle Usani, Sikiratu Isah, and goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu will be out to justify their spots in the star-studded team.
The Opposition
Grouped alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana, the Super Falcons have been tipped to enjoy a stroll-in-the-park performance in the group, given the pedigree of their opponents, who are out to correct history books. But it won’t be business as usual in the knockout stage, and with the likes of South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia closing the gap, Nigeria would need more than just reputation to emerge champion once again.
While Nigeria would be relying on big names to intimidate her opponents, and defending champions, South Africa presents a more cohesive side that operates as a unit. This is because Bafana Bafana players are made up of homegrown stars drawn from the streets of Soweto, Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth, unlike their Nigerian counterparts, who depend largely on foreign-based players. Another team that will challenge Nigeria’s supremacy is Morocco and Zambia. Atlas Lioness may have relied on home support to edge out in the semi-final on penalties, but coach Jorge Vilda Rodriguez’s side has improved tremendously and will once again punch above its weight as the host.
Sadly enough, Nigeria’s preparation for this year’s competition is nothing to write home about. Critics opined that the two international friendly matches against Cameroon and Portugal are not enough to prepare the women’s national team for a major tournament. The Portugal friendly saw a disjointed side that lacked cohesion and style of play, and it remains to be seen how coach Madugu intends to dig deeply into his technical books of tricks and come out with the right tactics.
Super Falcons’ upcoming friendly match against host Morocco and Ghana on the eve of the tournament could offer Nigerians a slice of what to expect, too.
Verdict
But while the Super Falcons may be defensively sound, better remunerated, fairly organised and difficult to beat, they have not been too impressive as a team that can dominate with stylish, coherent football under their new gaffer. The constant change of guards in the dugout has been a major setback for a Super Falcons side that held England’s Lionesses at bay at the 2023 FIFA World Cup. Bookmakers are tipping Banyana Banyana of South Africa to win its second WAFCON at the expense of Nigeria Super Falcons, known for its antecedents of blowing hot and cold once preparations look patchy.
