Super Falcons eye glory as 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco

By Dayo Awoniyi

Nine-time champions Nigeria are once again the team to beat as the 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) begins in Morocco.

The Super Falcons, who won the inaugural edition in 1998, are chasing a historic 10th title in what has been dubbed “Mission X” by the team and coaching staff.

“We are very focused on our realisable and achievable target. The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory,” said Head Coach Justine Madugu.

“Team spirit is high. We’re looking forward to our first match on Sunday against Tunisia.”

The Falcons have been in strong form during their pre-tournament preparations, claiming wins over Cameroon and Ghana, and earning a well-fought draw against Portugal. With the momentum on their side, they’re confident of another deep tournament run.

Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade emphasized the squad’s readiness and unity.

“For us, effort is everything. We’ll demonstrate what we’re capable of and build on our strengths. We know it won’t be easy, but we’re committed to showing up as our best selves.”

This year’s WAFCON comes with a record $1 million winner’s prize—doubling the incentive to triumph. The runners-up will earn $500,000, with third and fourth placed teams receiving $350,000 and $300,000, respectively.

 Nigeria’s WAFCON 2025 Squad:

Goalkeepers

• Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)

• Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)

• Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

 Defenders

• Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca, 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, Turkey)

• Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)

 Midfielders

• Rasheedat Ajibade (free agent, last at Atlético Madrid, Spain)

• Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengård, 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 (Pachuca, Mexico)

• Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France)

• Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada)

• Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA)

• Omorinsola Babajide (Tenerife, Spain)

• Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China)

• Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA)

Nigeria begins their WAFCON campaign with a Group B opener against Tunisia on Sunday, and fans will be watching closely as the Super Falcons begin their quest for a 10th continental crown.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career 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.

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