Asisat Oshoala speaks on WAFCON 2024 expectations

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria forward, Asisat Oshoala has opened up on expectations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The delayed tournament is billed to take place in Morocco in 2025.

The Bay FC forward is expected to lead the nine-time African champions to the tournament amidst competition from holders South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia, the top three teams at the last Mundial.

Speaking during an X space event organized by Kenneth Omeruo, the tall forward expressed her focus on improving in the coming years, especially in 2025.

“As always, we have to focus on 2025 and seize another opportunity to get back to winning ways and bringing home trophies like we used to,” Oshoala said.

She acknowledged the work still required, reflecting on recent tournaments.

“Despite not advancing past the group stage at the Olympics, we had tough competition and gave a good account of ourselves,” she noted.

“We have a lot of young talent emerging from the local league, and our foreign-based players are learning to play together more effectively.”

Looking ahead, Oshoala is optimistic about the team’s future.

“2025 will be a better year. The mentality has changed; everyone is eager to win, and there’s healthy competition for spots, with no automatic places. We’ve had strong performances recently, and if we keep up this momentum, WAFCON will be a great tournament for us,” she added.

The next WAFCON is set to take place in Morocco from July 5 to 26, 2025.

Banyana Banyana clinched their first title in Morocco with a 2-1 win over the host in 2022.

Super Falcons finished fourth behind Zambia and hope to win their first title since 2018.