Nigeria’s enduring dominance in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is unrivalled; the Super Falcons have set a standard that Countries have struggled to keep up with or match.
Not only are they the winningest team in WAFCON history, the Super Falcons are the most successful women’s football team from Africa.
The gulf between them and the rest of Africa, in terms of talent in Women’s football is cosmic, some of the Country’s FA chiefs have loosely boasted a team could be assembled a week before a tournament and they’ll win.
It was a matter of fact statement and true to that in 2018 Swede coach, Thomas Dennerby prepared a team that won Nigeria’s 9th title – it was done in a week.
But, that’s not the 9th wonder of the world, if anything it exemplifies everything that is wrong with the administration of football – and by extension sports – in Nigeria.
A systemic failure to adopt and stick with best practices, enshrine professionalism and uphold excellence like the players do whenever they suit up for the Country.
Perhaps, it is that laxity that has given impetus to the rest of the pack. In recent times Nigeria has lost to South Africa, Morocco and even Zambia at the WAFCON.
Those defeats came as shocking for most fans; those who know and value the team’s pedigree, greatly.
It is with trepidation they anticipate the team’s campaign at the 2024 WAFCON where Nigeria now awaits Zambia in the quarterfinals this Friday.
Never before have the Super Falcons failed to reach the semis, yet never before had they also missed out on a podium spot until 2022 when the team was stunned by Zambia.
The Copper Queens have enjoyed a momentary rise in their profile of recent, qualifying for the Olympic Games and Women’s World Cup for the first times in their history back in 2020 and 2023 respectively.
Inspired by their legendary captain, Barbra Banda – a former pro boxer – Zambia are spoiling for this fight and feel confident they can hold their own against Nigeria again.
So far in this tournament, Banda has stamped her authority, scoring three goals along with teammate Rachael Kundananji and are joint third in the tournament’s golden boot race.
On their part, Nigeria’s stacked squad hasn’t been that clinical in front of goal, scoring just four times in three games and the goals are spread between Chiwendu Ihezuo, Rinsola Babajide and Rasheedat Ajibade.
Perhaps the ladies will find some inspiration from their last triumph, turning back the pages, to remind the rest of Africa who still sits atop the throne as Queens – they walloped Zambia 4-0 in the group stages.
Eight players from 2018 made it into the current group, and that includes goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Tochukwu Oluehi.
Halimatu Ayinde, Ajibade, Ihezuo, Osinachi Ohale, and of course Asisat Oshoala.
Interim head coach, Justin Madugu has been around for quite some time too, but he’ll hope his stars shake-off the final third lethargy that has characterized their showing in Morocco.
Friday’s clash is wearing the look of a defining moment for Nigeria and the Super Falcons’ status in the tournament, there is that sense about it and it could turn out so.
