Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national football team, have landed in Casablanca, Morocco, on Wednesday, June 26, as they gear up for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to run from July 5 to 26.
The first wave of players, including American-based stars Asisat Oshoala, Michelle Alozie, and Deborah Abiodun, touched down in the Moroccan capital on Tuesday. They were joined by Chinwendu Ihezuo, Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Okoronkwo, and newcomer Chioma Okafor.
More Players Join Camp After Portugal Friendly
Meanwhile, the rest of the squad—who featured in Monday’s friendly match against Portugal—are expected to arrive in Casablanca later today. That match ended in a goalless draw, but it served as a crucial test for Coach Justin Madugu’s squad ahead of the tournament.
Nigeria fielded 17 players in that warm-up game. Chiamaka Nnadozie, Africa’s reigning Goalkeeper of the Year, delivered an exceptional performance, making several critical saves to keep Nigeria level. The Super Falcons came closest to a winner late in the match when Francisca Ordega unleashed a powerful shot that rattled the crossbar.
Falcons Set to Face Ghana in Final Friendly
As part of their final preparations, the Super Falcons will take on Ghana’s Black Queens in a friendly match on Sunday, June 29. The Ghanaians arrived in Benslimane, Morocco, last Tuesday for a 14-day pre-tournament training camp.
This highly anticipated encounter is expected to provide both teams with an intense dress rehearsal before they kick off their WAFCON campaigns.
Nigeria Targets 10th Title in Group B Showdown
Nigeria enters the tournament as the undisputed heavyweight in African women’s football, having won nine out of the 12 editions of WAFCON since its inception in 1998. With a 10th title in sight, the Falcons aim to dominate once again on Moroccan soil.
Drawn in Group B, the Super Falcons will face Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria, with all group matches scheduled to take place at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Tournament Opener Set for July 6
Nigeria will begin their title quest on Sunday, July 6, when they take on Tunisia in their opening group match. Expectations remain high among fans and analysts alike, as the team carries the hopes of a nation eager for another triumph on the continental stage.
