Nigeria’s Strategic Approach to Reclaiming WAFCON Glory
As the2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) approaches, Nigeria’s Super Falcons are intensifying their preparations to reclaim their dominant position in African women’s football. The tournament, scheduled from *July 5 to 26, 2025, in Morocco, presents a significant opportunity for the Super Falcons to showcase their prowess and aim for their record-extending tenth WAFCON title.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria sit on the bench during their international friendly match against the Fennecs of Algeria at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria, on October 26, 2024. The Falcons win 2-0. (Photo by Adekunle Ajayi)
Super Falcons WAFCON 2025 Preparations in Full Swing
The *Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), under the leadership of President Ibrahim Gusau, has emphasised the importance of *early and adequate preparations.
Gusau stated:
“We will make sure we give the team the adequate preparations they deserve within the available resources. We are not going to take any chances.”
Head Coach of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, Justin Madugu, is present during the Super Falcons of Nigeria international friendly match against the Fennecs of Algeria at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria, on October 26, 2024. The Falcons win 2-0. (Photo by Adekunle Ajayi)
To this end, the NFF plans to utilize the upcoming FIFA Women’s International Match Windows to organize high-quality friendly matches. These fixtures will test the team’s readiness and help integrate emerging talents from the domestic league into the national squad.
Gusau reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to reclaiming the WAFCON trophy, stating:
“My projection is that we are going to get back our trophy because as far as I’m concerned, that trophy belongs to Nigeria, and that’s why we are not taking any chances.”
Recent Performances Bolster Super Falcons’ Confidence
The Super Falcons have demonstrated resilience and growth in recent international fixtures. They secured back-to-back friendly victories over Algeria and put up a commendable fight against *France, narrowly losing 2-1 in November.
Super Falcons of Nigeria play against the Fennecs of Algeria during their international friendly match at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria, on October 26, 2024. The Falcons win 2-0. (Photo by Adekunle Ajayi)
Head coach Justin Madugba has outlined his vision to restore Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.
“My goal is to do well with the team, build a solid, lasting squad that will regain our top spot, play football with passion, develop players, and win the 2025 WAFCON as a short-term goal.”
Navigating Challenges in WAFCON 2025
The Super Falcons have been drawn into Group B alongside *Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. While Nigeria has a *rich history in WAFCON, the competition has become *increasingly fierce, with teams like *South Africa’s Banyana Banyana making significant strides.
The Nigerian Falcon players are warming up ahead of the Olympic qualifier between the Nigeria Falcons and the Indomitable Lionesses at Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria, on February 26, 2024. (Photo by next24online/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
To ensure a strong WAFCON 2025 campaign, Nigeria must organize further high-quality friendlies to match the intensity of their rivals before the tournament kicks off in July.
Conclusion
With the countdown to WAFCON 2025 underway, the Super Falcons are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to reclaim their title. With strategic preparations, a blend of experienced and emerging talents, and a focused mindset, Nigeria aims to reaffirm its supremacy in African women’s football.
