Opinion: Super Falcons’ WAFCON Preparations: A Bump in the Road or Cause for Alarm?

By Samuel Ahmadu
Women’s Football Expert

As the countdown to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco continues, growing concerns have emerged over the glaring lack of international engagements and camp activities for Nigeria’s Super Falcons—Africa’s most successful women’s national team.

Two consecutive FIFA windows have passed without the Falcons taking to the pitch or regrouping in camp, leaving fans and stakeholders deeply disappointed. The silence has been deafening. Yet amid the frustration, there’s a call for unity and measured optimism as the team navigates what is hopefully a temporary setback.

There is no sugar-coating the situation: the absence of structured preparations, especially friendlies and camping, is a significant worry for a team eyeing continental redemption. Personally, it’s disheartening to witness such a lull in activity at a time when momentum and cohesion are most needed. But while the reasons behind the inactivity might not sit well with many, they are not without context.

It’s worth recalling that the Nigeria Football Federation, in conjunction with the technical crew, had taken bold steps late last year to keep the team engaged. In October 2024, the Super Falcons played a two-legged international friendly against Algeria—first in Ikenne, Ogun State, and later at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos—registering convincing wins and valuable minutes for both established stars and rising talents, especially from the Nigeria Women Football League. That was swiftly followed in November by a high-profile friendly against 2019 Women’s World Cup hosts France, offering the players a chance to test their mettle against one of Europe’s best.

#image_title

These fixtures gave a glimmer of hope that consistent international exposure was finally becoming a norm for the team. However, the momentum has since stalled.

Encouragingly, credible sources have confirmed that plans are in motion to revive that momentum. A two-legged international friendly has been agreed upon for June (with the opposition yet to be publicly disclosed), and there are ongoing efforts to secure another two-match engagement with two different African countries in May. If these matches materialize, the final two windows before the tournament could be packed and purposeful.

Beyond the fixtures, however, the focus must shift toward fostering collective support for the team. The Super Falcons have consistently proven their worth on the continental and global stage, and they deserve every opportunity to be at their best. That includes adequate preparations, exposure, and the backing of all stakeholders.

Equally important is trust in the current technical setup led by Justine Madugu—one of the most experienced and promising tacticians on the domestic scene. In his brief stint with the team, Madugu has not only demonstrated tactical astuteness and a calm presence on the sidelines, but has also earned rave reviews from both players and officials. His man-management skills, attention to detail, and ability to build team spirit have been singled out as major assets. Those within the camp speak highly of his approach—one that blends discipline with empathy, and tactical clarity with player empowerment.

While some may view this as a damaging setback, others see a chance for a late but strong rally. What is clear is that success at WAFCON 2024 will require more than talent—it will demand resolve, coordination, and belief.

Let us stay the course, demand better, but also support the process. The journey to Moroccan glory is still alive—and it’s one we must all embark on together.