WAFCON 2024: Can Super Falcons Reenact Their Continental Dominance?

By Amaechi Agbo

Paired in Group B along Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana, Nigeria senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons will begin their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations’ campaign on 6th July against Tunisia.

Nigeria, eleven-time champions, secured their place at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2024 place with an authoritative display across both qualifying rounds. The Super Falcons reaffirmed their dominance in the second round against Cape Verde.

In the first leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, they delivered a commanding attacking performance to win 5–0. Despite fielding a rotated squad in the return leg in Praia, they got the job done with a 2–1 victory, sealing their 15th appearance at the tournament.

Nigeria have dominated the CAF Women’s AFCON since its inception. The Super Falcons have lifted 11 of the 14 titles contested, maintaining an extraordinary level of success at the top of African women’s football.

Their reign began with the inaugural edition in 1991 and continued with triumphs in 1995, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018. They finished as runners-up in 2008 (losing to Equatorial Guinea) and took third place in 2022 in Morocco after a dramatic semi-final against the hosts drawing 1–1 but losing 5–4 on penalties while playing with just nine players.

This exceptional record cements Nigeria as the undisputed benchmark for women’s football in Africa.

Players to Watch:

Asisat Oshoala

Widely regarded as one of the greatest African players in history, Oshoala is a five-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year. Having played for Liverpool, Arsenal, Dalian Quanjian, and most notably FC Barcelona where she made history as the first African woman to score in a UEFA Women’s Champions League final (2021).

Quick, technically gifted, and physically dominant, she remains a potent attacking force. In 2024, she joined Bay FC in the NWSL and continues to impress.

Rasheedat Ajibade

The Atlético Madrid forward is another vital weapon in Nigeria’s attack. Versatile and able to play on the wings or behind the striker, Ajibade is known for her sharp dribbling and ability to influence high-pressure games. She scored against Cameroon in the 2022 tournament and made a strong impact at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Ambitions and Group Outlook

Nigeria will compete in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. On paper, the Super Falcons are overwhelming favourites, with their experience and individual quality placing them above the rest.

However, recent history has reminded them not to underestimate any opponent, with their early exit in 2008 and semi-final defeat to Morocco in 2022 stand as cautionary tales.