Esther Okoronkwo came off the bench to inspire Nigeria to a 3–0 win over Tunisia in their opening match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca.
The AFC Toronto forward was introduced at the start of the second half and wasted no time in making her mark. Although the Super Falcons were already 2–0 up thanks to goals from Asisat Oshoala and Omorinsola Babajide, Okoronkwo added urgency and control to the team’s attacking play.
She nearly found the net in the 68th minute with a low strike that struck the post, before setting up Chinwendu Ihezuo for Nigeria’s third goal in the 84th minute. She was deservedly voted the m Player of the Match.
Speaking after receiving her award, Okoronkwo reflected on the team’s performance and her approach after being subbed on.
“It’s the first game, so we were just trying to get the energy together, work as a team, and create as many chances as we could,” she said. “Obviously, the goals were going to come and they did.”
She also shared what her coach asked of her before entering the pitch.
“He told me to be prepared, help the team up there, get the ball, try to lay off, and find other teammates. Just play together and work as a team.”
Despite only featuring for one half, Okoronkwo made a measurable impact: 24 touches, three fouls won, two key chances created, and one assist.
Beyond the stats, her presence lifted the overall tempo and structure of Nigeria’s attack. Her movement and link-up play created space for others and helped the Falcons maintain pressure deep into the second half.
Her performance earned widespread praises from fans and analysts including former Super Falcons’ forward Desire Oparanozie.
“For me, she was the woman of the match. When she came on, we went from a disjointed front three to a real collective,” the former Guingamp striker told CAFOnline.com.
“ She drops deep, she takes on defenders, she creates space for others. She changed the game — and didn’t even need to score.
“Her runs between the lines were damaging. She pulled two defenders with her, which opened space for Ijamilusi and Ihezuo. You might not see it clearly on TV, but on the pitch, it’s obvious.”
The Super Falcons are fired up to win a record WAFCON prize money of $1 million— the biggest ever in the history of the competition —as the tournament kicks off in Morocco on Saturday.
The CAF also announced that the runners-up will earn $500,000, with the third-placed and fourth-placed teams going home with $350,000 and $300,000 each.
Nine-time champions Nigeria loom larger than any other participant as the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations begins in the Kingdom of Morocco tomorrow.
Winners of the inaugural edition that their country hosted in 1998, the Super Falcons also took home the diadem in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018, and look forward to the 13th edition with confidence, but without being sardonic.
Coach Justin Madugu has taken the option of the good-old-wine-and-fresh-fruits-from-the-vineyard selection approach, and is satisfied that he has a team that can hold its right from the first match against Tunisia on Sunday.
“We are very focused on our realisable and achievable target of Mission X,” he said.
“The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory, and team spirit is high. We are looking forward to our first match on Sunday against Tunisia.”
After the harrowing experience of 2022 where they went out in the semi -final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nation en route to an unusual fourth place finish, the Super Falcons go again in search of a record 10th title as the continental women’s flagship showpiece go underway this weekend in Morocco, reports TUNDE LIADI…
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are on the prowl again seeking to win their record extending 10th title at the 13thWomen’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) slated for Morocco from this weekend.
The Super Falcons have a remarkable record in the competition having won all but three editions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to date since it began as a tournament format in 1998 then known as the African Women’s Championship. It became WAFCON at the 2018 edition hosted by Ghana but won again by the Super Falcons.
The country’s senior women national team won the historic first edition in 1998 in Abeokuta, Nigeria without conceding a goal and have complemented that with further successes in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018.
This time, they will be seeking an enviable 10th title and should be on course for a smooth start in Group B where they are drawn along with Tunisia, Botswana and Algeria as the quartet slug it out for spots in the knockout stage.
Having featured in all the previous 12th editions Nigeria has never failed to win the title in two consecutive editions of the WAFCON, but they may have to face that prospect this year. After losing at the semi-final stage last time around in Morocco, they can only expect to face even more stiff competition now. With other African nations showing considerable improvement in women football and trying to measure up and even trying to displace Nigeria.
Nigeria lost all three group games at the 2024 Olympics. However, they only fell short by one-goal margins against giants like Spain and Brazil, so they can take a lot of encouragement from those performances.
This will be the first serious test for head coach Justin Madugu, who took over following Randy Waldrum’s resignation last September. Madugu was one of the assistants to the American and it will be interesting to see how he navigate his way to the podium.
Madugu applauded the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) decision to allow indigenous coaches tinker the Super Falcons to the WAFCON, stating that they are going to ensure they give the opportunity their best shot in order to open more opportunities to other domestic coaches.
“I thank Nigerians for their consistent support to the Super Falcons. They have always expressed a lot of confidence in the team and we hope that continues. We on our part are doing our best to ensure that the confidence repose in the team is sustained and we try as much as possible to live up to their expectations,” Madugu said.
“Our target is to do well and doing well for us means winning the trophy and bringing it back to Nigeria. It has not been easy trusting indigenous coaches with this type of responsibility. We are not representing ourselves but all the indigenous we have in the country.
“If we do well, we open up space for other coaches that will be entrusted with this kind of task but if we fail, we make it difficult for the policy and decision makers to look at the indigenous coaches. We are not taking it for granted. We are focused on what is ahead of us.”
Madugu pointed out that the Super Falcons are poised to make Nigerians proud in Morocco, adding that his side is not oblivious of the challenges ahead in the face of some negative reports.
“Yes, there will be stories flying everywhere but we won’t allow that to wear us down or distract us. We remain focused,” he added.
Similarly, Super Falcons’ captain Rasheedat Ajibade has also declared that the team remains focused and fully prepared to challenge for the 10th title even as she acknowledging that the team remains a ‘work in progress’.
“There’s a real sense of unity and purpose among the players,” she said. “But we know the journey won’t be easy. We’re not going to let complacency set in.
“All eyes are on the trophy. But it’s not just about talent; it’s about hunger, consistency, and resilience,” she added.
The Super Falcons enter the competition as the most successful side at the WAFCON boasting nine previous titles. However, the 2022 tournament saw them finish a disappointing fourth, a result that has fuelled their determination to reclaim continental dominance.
Madugu echoed Ajibade’s sentiments, stressing that the team has steadily improved in training and recent friendlies.
“The girls are responding well to tactical instructions. They’re hungry for victory and understand what’s at stake,” he said.
Recent matches including a dominant 3–1 win over Ghana’s Black Queens last week in Casablanca , have showcased the team’s attacking depth and defensive organization. Yet Ajibade insists there’s still room for growth.
“The mission is clear, and so is the mind-set,” she said. “We’re excited, but we’re not carried away. We’re locked in,” he noted.
Equally, Super Falcons midfielder, Deborah Abiodun is confident that the team are getting closer to their aim of winning a 10th continental title after beating Ghana 3-1 in their last warm-up game ahead of the 2024 WAFCON.
The Super Falcons wrapped up their preparations for the WAFCON with the victory over the Black Queens in Casablanca with goals from Asisat Oshoala, Ajibade and Chinwendu Ihezuo .
Abiodun, who was one of the four players who played the entire duration of the game, described it as a perfect test of their ambition.
“It was a good training game. Especially playing a team like Ghana, they bring the physicality and I think it’s very good for the team. I am happy the team gets to play and it’s a step towards our aim of being in this competition; to keep winning. Despite being a friendly game, we all have to put in everything we have,” noted Abiodun who broke into the Super Falcons at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand under Waldrum.
Meanwhile, 2024 AWC title winner, Gloria Ofoegbu has urged the Super Falcons not to be overwhelmed by pressure, imploring the Madugu-led side to fight for the country with their gusto.
“Don’t dwell too much on the pressure. Take it one game at a time. You are the pride of women’s football in Africa. Maintain the standard. Fight for the badge,” Ofoegbu told ACLSport.
In the same vein, former skipper of the team, Desire Oparanozie has equally urged the Super Falcons to go all out for the title again to show that they remain the best in Africa.
Oparanozie who led the team to the FIFA Women World Cup in 2019 in Germany revealed that with more nations in Africa aspiring to displace the Super Falcons from the top, Nigeria must be up and doing and ensure they raise the bar in Morocco.
She however noted that with the calibre of players at Madugu’s disposal it will be difficult to stop the Super Falcons when they are already in flight.
“It is that time of the year for the Super Falcons to challenge for the WAFCON again. The team must play as one and ensure they are consistent in order to stop teams that are up against them,” Oparanozie said.
Yet the NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi , has sounded a note of caution, saying the Super Falcons must not be carried away with their target for the 10th title since the 13th WAFCON in Morocco serves as qualifiers for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Sanusi disclosed that winning the WAFCON has almost become Nigeria’s birth right but that he expects the Super Falcons to be motivated by the allure of FIFA Women’s World Cup ticket which will be picked up by the last four teams in Morocco.
“There is nothing new to Nigerian football as far as winning the title is concerned but there is a lot to winning it because the national pride is at stake coupled with the fact that the last four teams at this championship (WAFCON) would be the nations to represent Africa in the (next) FIFA World Cup.,” Sanusi said matter-of-factly. “The Super Falcons has won the competition nine times and are gunning for the 10th title with the acronym X.
“X represents 10 in Roman numerals and so, we are going for the 10th title.”
Sanusi assured Nigerians that the Super Falcons would do well in Morocco but could not stick out his neck on the position the team would end the competition.
“I can tell you that by the grace of God that Nigeria’s team will do well in Morocco but I cannot say the position we are going to finish with in Morocco. By the grace of God we are not going to disappoint Nigerians.”
Meanwhile, the Super Falcons will begin their campaign on Sunday (July 6th )against Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca to be followed with encounters against Botswana on July 10th and Algeria on July 13th at the same venue in Casablanca.
Coach Justin Madugu has said that only the very best players would make the Super Falcons’ final squad for next month’s Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, adding it is immaterial if such players are from the Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership or foreign leagues.
Speaking after Super Falcons 2-0 win over the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Madugu disclosed he was yet to get a balanced team ahead of the WAFCON hence he would use available friendly matches to have a fair assess of the players.
“Whether NWFL or overseas player, the first thing is that they are Nigerians and if they are good enough why not? There is no limitations and whoever that distinguishes self will have the opportunity for future call ups,” Madugu said.
Despite praising the players for their gallantry against their Cameroonian counterparts, Madugu noted that the Super Falcons is still a work in progress even barely a month before the start of the competition in Morocco.
He continued: “I want to appreciate the players for their gallant effort in the game. For us, we are still a work in progress. We are still trying to put our acts together in our preparation for the WAFCON. I think they did very well but we still have a lot of things to work on.
“We know that games with Cameroon is a friendly game on paper but in reality, there is the prestige at stake.
“I must confess we would have appreciated the opportunity of playing more games so that we can put to test our philosophy and strategies to adopt in the WAFCON.
“It could also have given us the opportunity of giving other players chances to see what they can offer before determining the squad to take to Morocco for the WAFCON.”
He explained further that the Super Falcons who would be gunning for their 10th WAFCON title in Morocco, must be ready to play enterprising and entertaining football along with good results.
“I want the girls play and enjoy their football along with going for the 10th title which I know is very possible,” he added.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has tipped the Super Falcons to reclaim the foremost women’s continental prize at the forthcoming 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The FC Paris goal-minder who has been twice awarded the Africa’s Best Goalkeeper at the CAF Awards, said it was painful that the Super Falcons lost to their Moroccan counterparts at the last tournament, adding the team would be guided as they bid for their 12th continental title.
Nnadozie admitted that the Super Falcons are drawn in a ‘tricky’ Group B that houses Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana hence they must redouble their efforts to reach the knockouts of the 2024 WAFCON.
“People might think it’s a manageable group, but the reality is very different,” the 24-year-old goal-minder, told CAF’s website. “Women’s football has made huge strides in recent years. “Every team is improving, working hard, and investing in development. We saw it in the last AFCON, where many of the favourites were shaken. No one can be underestimated anymore.
“This group is tricky, and we have to treat it with the seriousness it deserves. Qualification won’t be handed to us we’ll need to earn it through hard work and discipline,” she noted.
‘Save Hands’ as Nnadozie is fondly called, said it was a big honour to fly Nigeria’s flag with the Super Falcons: “Wearing the Super Falcons jersey means carrying a legacy. It means playing for the generations before us who won everything. The spotlight is always on us.”
She further shared her optimism of winning the WAFCON title yet again after being part of the country’s winning team of 2018 at the forthcoming 15th edition of the biennial women’s championship due in Morocco between July 5 and 26.
“To me, the AFCON (WAFCON) holds the same weight as a World Cup,” the former Rivers Angel’s ‘ keeper who was in goal for the Super Falcons at the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, and Australia & New Zealand respectively, further explained. “The atmosphere, the stakes, the intensity it’s all there.
“ I remember the 2022 edition in Morocco: packed stadiums, incredible supporters. You feel lifted by an entire continent.
“And personally, I’ve never been the starting goalkeeper when we’ve won a title. This time, I want to lift that trophy from the pitch to play a real part in the victory,” she added.
Nine-time champions and ever-present Nigeria earned their ticket to the 13th edition of the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in majestic style yesterday with a 2-1 defeat of hosts Cape Verde, for a 7-1 aggregate win in the final round of the qualification series.
The hosts started like a house on fire at the Santiago-Estádio Nacional Cabo Verde in Praia raiding the Super Falcons’ goal area, and their quick-off-the-blocks approach paid off when Ivania Tavares Moreira got the ball past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie for a goal in the 9th minute.
Sensing the possibility of being able to do the unexpected, the Cape Verdeans swarmed all over the Nigerian rear and earned a couple of corner kicks in the process, but the resilient Super Falcons, spurred on by members of the Nigerian community cheering in the stands, quickly repelled the onslaughts and launched some of their own.
In the second stanza, Coach Justin Madugu threw Esther Onyenezide and the clinical Esther Okoronkwo into the fray at the beginning of the second half, for Peace Efih and Uchenna Kanu, and knuckled when Okoronkwo, never one to engage in frivolities in the fore, got the ball in the net 11 minutes into the second half, only to be judged off-side.
But six minutes later, Okoronkwo, who got two of the goals when the Falcons brushed aside the Verdeans 5-0 in Abuja on Thursday, scored to draw Nigeria level.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade saw her shot fly past the crossbar in the 71st minute, and 10 minutes later, substitute Rinsola Babajide could have got her first international goal but saw her low drive agonisingly miss the target by a few inches.
Yet, the sterling Ajibade would have the last laugh, scoring three minutes into added time to ensure victory for Nigeria and an overwhelming aggregate win that takes the Falcons into next year’s finals as undoubtedly the team to beat.
