Nigerian midfielder, Jennifer Echegini has declared her readiness to guide the Super Falcons reclaim their continental crown at the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco.
She described the upcoming tournament as a moment of legacy, pressure, and national pride.
The 24-year-old Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, fresh off a stellar club season in the French Division 1 Féminine, is set to make her maiden WAFCON appearance for Africa’s most successful women’s national team when the competition kicks off on July 5 in Rabat.
“It’s Very Special” – Echegini on WAFCON Debut
Although Echegini has already competed on the global stage (including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympics) the England-born midfielder says her first WAFCON means something uniquely powerful.
“It’s very special,” she told CAFOnline.
“I’ve been in major international competitions, but I haven’t played in a WAFCON yet.”
“This will be my first time, and I’m very excited.”
“I watched the last edition two years ago and already thought: ‘One day, it’ll be my turn.’ Now that moment is here. It’s a different atmosphere, a different energy.”
“Representing my country on the African continent is a huge honor. The Women’s AFCON is about history, culture, emotion. I can’t wait to live it from the inside.”
“The Pressure Has Always Been There” – But That’s What Drives Us
The Super Falcons are historically dominant on the African stage, having won nine WAFCON titles, but Echegini knows expectations remain sky-high, especially for a new generation stepping into legendary boots.
“This tournament brings a different kind of intensity, a unique emotion, it’s our legacy. We live with it,” she said.
“The pressure has always been there. When you wear the Nigerian jersey, you know the expectations are sky-high. But that’s a good thing, really. It’s those standards that shape who we are.”
“Nigeria has won this competition multiple times. As the new generation, it’s our duty to carry on that tradition.”
“So yes, there’s pressure. But everyone — the fans, the staff, us — wants the same thing: victory.”
Leadership Role on the Pitch
With her dynamic midfield presence, Echegini has earned a growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most promising attacking outlets.
She has 11 international caps and two goals, and her responsibilities with the Falcons are growing.
“My role is to create, organize, and also score when I can. I want to be a constant support for my teammates across all areas of the pitch,” she said.
Club Success with PSG
Echegini heads into the WAFCON in red-hot form after a standout 2024/25 season with Paris Saint-Germain, where she played 18 league matches, scored seven goals, and added four assists.
Her contributions were pivotal in PSG finishing second in the French Division 1 Féminine, just behind champions Olympique Lyon, who finished with 55 points compared to PSG’s 52.
She also made two appearances in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, though she didn’t register a goal contribution in Europe.
Across all competitions this season, she played 20 matches, scoring seven goals and providing four assists.
The Road Ahead in Morocco
The 2024 WAFCON will be held in Morocco for the second consecutive time, this year at the newly-built Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group B, alongside:
Tunisia
Botswana
Algeria
The Super Falcons will begin their quest for a record-extending 10th continental title with a Group B opener against Tunisia, and expectations are once again sky-high for Africa’s queens of the pitch.
“It’s our legacy. We’re here to protect it, to build on it, and to make our country proud. I can’t wait to get started,” Echegini concluded.
