Chiamaka Nnadozie: Super Falcons Focused On World Cup Qualification At WAFCON

Chiamaka Nnadozie has outlined the mindset of the Nigeria women’s national football team ahead of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, stressing that the primary objective is World Cup qualification rather than immediate title talk.

Speaking to AYSuga Channel, the Super Falcons shot-stopper revealed that the players have been in constant communication as they prepare for the continental showpiece.

“First of all, I would say the girls have been communicating. We have a group chat where we have been discussing everything,” Nnadozie said.

“It’s just something we want to take one step at a time. We don’t want to think about the semi-finals, quarter-finals or the final. The mission is to qualify for the World Cup.”

The goalkeeper acknowledged Nigeria’s status as Africa’s most successful women’s national team, noting that the Falcons remain the side every opponent wants to beat.

“I believe in the girls. I know every team wants to beat Nigeria. We’ve been Africa’s best for a very long time. Every team wants to be there, they want to be in that number one spot, but it’s not going to be easy. Anybody who wants to be there has to work hard for it.”

Nnadozie also highlighted the rapid improvement across the continent, pointing to recent results as evidence of the narrowing gap between teams.

“All the teams are growing. Imagine Nigeria drawing against Algeria in the group stage, that shows you how tough the competition is and how all the teams have improved.”

While Nigeria traditionally enter WAFCON as favourites, the Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper insisted the squad is deliberately managing expectations.

“We are not aiming for the trophy for now. Personally, the goal is to qualify for the World Cup. We don’t want to put pressure on ourselves, let’s just qualify, get the ticket for the World Cup and whatever happens, happens.

“I believe in the team, I believe in the girls, and I hope when we get there we can make changes.”

With WAFCON serving as a pathway to global competition, the Super Falcons appear determined to approach the tournament with focus, unity and a step-by-step mentality.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

See Full Bio