Tag: SUPER FALCONS

• By Yusuf Kareem

Former Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has stressed the importance of selecting the right blend of players ahead of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), expressing confidence in the squad’s talent and determination to excel in Morocco.

Waldrum, who currently serves as the head coach of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers women’s soccer team, highlighted that Nigeria’s players have the quality and hunger needed to reclaim the WAFCON title, if the right selections are made.

“If I select the players, I think the talent is good enough on its own to win it,” Waldrum said. “There’s enough ability there, especially building on what was achieved at the World Cup and Olympics. Those players are motivated and hungry to regain the title.”

Despite his belief in the players’ abilities, Waldrum cautioned that success could be compromised if the wrong mix of players is chosen.

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“They can do it, but if the wrong blend of players is called up, it could become a struggle,” he warned. “Morocco and Ivory Coast are going to be well-organized, and teams like Zambia, Cameroon, and Ghana are always tough. It’s Africa player composition across nations makes all the difference.”

While he expressed some concerns about the overall coaching setup, Waldrum reiterated his faith in the players themselves.

“I don’t think the coaching is currently at the level needed to win on the world stage, but with the right player selection, their talent could still be enough. I’m holding out hope that the players can get it done,” he acknowledged.

A week to their opening 2024 WAFCON game against Tunisia, the Super Falcon  in Morocco fired a serious warning to the rest of the continent  after they thrashed rivals Ghana 3-1 in a final warm-up match.

The nine-time African champions were thus unbeaten leading up to this tournament after wins over Cameroon (2-0) and Ghana (3-1) as well as a scoreless draw with Portugal in Lisbon last week.

Mexico-based striker Chinwendu Ihezuo opened scoring in this Jollof Derby after 34 minutes, when her shot took a big deflection.

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Nigeria then doubled their advantage a minute to the break when Asisat Oshoala dispatched a penalty. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade put the contest beyond the Black Queens on 51 minutes with a well-taken goal.

Ghana pulled a goal back on 88 minutes from the penalty spot through Alice Kusi.

To the huge credit of the Super Falcons, they continued to push for more goals, while Ghana defended resolutely to limit the damage. The Falcons made as many as seven substitutions to give squad players a run out before the big kick-off.

The delegation of Nigeria’s title aspirants, Super Falcons, were  expected last night in Morocco’s economic capital, Casablanca from the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

The delegation  comprise 22 players and team officials. China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi and USA-based Asisat Oshoala are already in Morocco’s economic capital.

The nine-time African champions played a gutsy game to hold their Portuguese counterparts to a scoreless draw in a friendly at Lisbon’s Estádio José Gomes on Monday evening. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Shukurat Oladipo and veteran forward Francisca Ordega each had a game to remember.

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Nigeria’s first match of the 13^th  Africa Cup of Nations finals will be against Tunisia’s senior women national team at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday, 6^th  July, before other games against Botswana and Algeria in the group phase.

The Super Falcons have never failed to reach the last four at the Women Africa Cup of Nations, since it was launched as the African Women Championship in 1998. Winners in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018, the Falcons made the last four in 2008, 2012 and 2022.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons, aiming for a 10^th  continental gong at the 13^th  Women Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco next month, will take on the senior women national team of Portugal in a friendly match in Lisbon today.

The Falcons’ contingent flew out of the Federal Capital, Abuja to Casablanca on Sunday morning aboard a Royal Air Maroc flight, and then travelled to Lisbon.

After appearing at the Portuguese and Moroccan embassies during the week as part of the procedure for visa processing, the nine-time African champions trained at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Thursday evening, and at the Turf Arena on Friday and Saturday, in preparation for today’s encounter.

Goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Tochukwu Oluehi, experienced defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Christy Ucheibe and forward Francisca Ordega were among those that worked out under the guidance of Head Coach Justine Madugu and his assistants.

US-based defender Michelle Alozie, Saud Arabia-based Ashleigh Plumptre, captain Rasheedat Ajibade and fellow midfielders Halimatu Ayinde, Jennifer Echegini and Toni Payne, as well as forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Rinsola Babajide and Chinwendu Ihezuo will team up with the team at the training camp in the Portuguese capital.

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Today’s encounter will take place at the Estádio José Gomes in the Amadora precinct of Lisbon, and will commence at 7pm Portugal time (same time as in Nigeria).

Ghana’s Black Queens are also in the Falcons’ radar, as both teams are set to clash in another friendly match in Morocco on Sunday, 29th June, days before the kick-off of the continental finals.

The Falcons tackle Tunisia, Botswana and Algeria in group B of the competition, with the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca as venue.  

SUPER FALCONS FOR 13TH WAFCON FINALS:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (just finished contract with Paris FC, France); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (just finished contract with Atletico Madrid, Spain); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosenburg, Sweden); Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)

Forwards: Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA).

In the face of persistent public criticism and perceptions of neglect towards the Super Falcons, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is stepping up its efforts to demonstrate stronger support for the country’s most decorated national team.

While there have been concerns in recent years — including issues surrounding bonuses, travel logistics, and overall welfare — findings show the Federation has remained committed to the women’s team, often working quietly behind the scenes to sustain their success, despite financial limitations.

As part of renewed efforts to bridge perception with action, the NFF has now launched “Mission X,” a focused media campaign aimed at uniting Nigerians at home and abroad behind the Super Falcons as they prepare for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

“We are committed to fully supporting the Super Falcons’ campaign for a 10th continental title, and that is why we are launching the Mission X campaign to sensitize football-loving Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, young and old, in high and low places, and male and female, to also come out and support the team,” the NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi affirmed “The Super Falcons remain the most decorated National Team in African football. We are proud of what they have achieved and what they intend to achieve in Morocco.

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 “We want the Super Falcons to feel the energy of our football-passionate fans everywhere they go, from Abuja to Casablanca, where they will play their group stage matches, and at any other venue they have to play their knockout games in Morocco,” he added.

The NFF’s latest move comes amid years of growing public scrutiny over how Nigeria treats its women’s national team, especially when compared to the men’s. Fans and observers have often raised concerns about unequal treatment and support, even as the Super Falcons continue to outperform expectations and set global benchmarks.

But despite funding constraints and the competing needs of several national teams under its care, the Federation maintains it has made intentional efforts to support the Falcons.

The team’s outstanding run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup — where they exited the tournament without losing in regulation time — was credited to improved preparation, international friendlies, and better technical planning, all facilitated by the NFF.

The Federation has also been actively lobbying for stronger government and private sector backing, recognizing that lasting improvement in women’s football will require more than goodwill — it needs investment.

With “Mission X,” the NFF is sending a strong signal — not just to fans, but to the players themselves — that the Federation values their sacrifices and achievements. The campaign, built around the message “One Team. One Goal. One More Star,” aims to turn public energy into positive support as the Falcons chase a record-extending 10th WAFCON title in Morocco.

Long before the WAFCON took its current format in 1998, the Super Falcons were already blazing trails, representing Africa at the 1991 and 1995 FIFA Women’s World Cups in China and Sweden. Their legacy remains unmatched on the continent.

Now, as the team heads to Morocco, the NFF is determined to write a new chapter — one of better support, louder recognition, and deeper national appreciation. The Super Falcons may have felt overlooked in the past, but with Mission X, the Federation is making it clear: Nigeria stands with its heroines.

By Joshua Osinowo

Ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to play two high-profile warm-up matches against Portugal and arch-rivals Ghana. The friendly fixtures form part of the team’s final tune-up schedule before the tournament kicks off in Morocco.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) recently announced that the nine-time African champions will take on Portugal on June 23. In addition, interim head coach Justine Madugu confirmed that the Super Falcons will also face Ghana in a second preparatory match, also to be staged in Morocco.

These matches follow Nigeria’s recent 2-0 victory over Cameroon in a friendly encounter held earlier this month in Ogun State. The win marked an encouraging start to the Falcons’ build-up campaign, with the technical team seeking to test different tactical setups and player combinations ahead of the tournament.

According to team sources, the Super Falcons will hold their pre-WAFCON training camp in Portugal before moving base to Morocco, where the competition will be held. The team will rely on a blend of experienced internationals and promising young talents in their quest to reclaim the continental crown they last won in 2018.

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Nigeria have been placed in Group B and will face Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana in the group stage. Their tournament opener is scheduled for July 6, when they take on Tunisia at the iconic Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca. With rising competition from other African nations, the Falcons are aware that a solid showing in their friendly fixtures could provide the momentum needed to excel on the big stage.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s Black Queens have already kicked off their WAFCON preparations in Benslimane, Morocco. The Ghanaians are drawn in Group C, where they will battle defending champions South Africa, as well as Mali and Tanzania.

With only South Africa (the current champions) and Equatorial Guinea (twice winners) have also lifted the WAFCON trophy, Nigeria remains the most decorated side in the tournament’s history. However, they know that past glory will count for little in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions yet.

With a brace  by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, the Super Falcons  yesterday  beat visiting Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon  2-0  in a pre-Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) friendly match at the newly renovated  MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Ajibade scored the curtain raiser  in the 28^th  minute from the penalty spot and then completed her brace in the 43^rd  minute after capitalizing on a swift team move, assisted by Rinsola Babajide.

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Coach Justine Madugu said the victory is a good psychological boost for his squad as they continue preparations for the 13^th  Women AFCON taking place in Morocco between  July  5^th and  26^th.

Nigeria will be aiming for a 10^th  triumph in the forthcoming  WAFCON in, having won the trophy nine times since it was launched as a tournament in 1998.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are ready to open camp ahead of two international friendly matches against regional rivals Cameroon, scheduled for the end of May and early June, Soccernet.ng reports.

The camp of the former continental champions will officially open on Monday, May 26, it has been confirmed.

The nine-time African champions will take on the Indomitable Lionesses in a pair of high-profile encounters, with both matches taking place in Ogun State.

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The first fixture will be held on Saturday, 31 May, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo. The second leg will follow on Tuesday, 3 June, at the newly renovated MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.

The Nigerian squad, led by head coach Justine Madugu, will report to camp on Monday, 26 May. The team will be based at Am2pm Hotel in Ijebu-Ode throughout their stay in Ogun. This is Madugu’s second major outing in charge of the senior national side, as preparations intensify for the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco this July.

Madugu has named a 23-player squad featuring a strong mix of local standouts and overseas-based professionals.