As Africa gears up for the 15th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the qualified teams are finalizing their preparations to have a blissful tournament. The Nigeria Football Federation and the Super Falcons have flagged this tournament as “Mission X” as they aim to win a record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
To achieve this, the team will need a lot of experience to help guide the young Falcons who are hungry to make this great achievement at the end of the tournament. Sports Intel dissects the most successful team of the competition and how much experience they have going into Morocco 2024.
Super Falcons: The Veterans
Looking at the 24 player squad summoned by the new gaffer of the Super Falcons coach Justine Magudu, there are players who have been to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations a few times. Topping the list will be the trio of Francisca Ordega, Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala. The three players have played in 5 tournaments each in their career and have also won the competition numerous times.
The trio is followed by Halimatu Ayinde who had played in 4 tournaments with her first in 2014. Halimatu who was not in the team at the 2023 FIFA World Cup due to injury will be playing in her 5th tournament in Morocco. Next to Ayinde will be the ever present substitute goalkeeper, Tochukwu Oluehi who has been to the tournament 3 times.
The current best women’s goalkeeper in Africa, Chiamaka Nnadozie and current captain of the team, Rasheedat Ajibade will conclude the list with 2 appearances each at the tournament.
These veterans will be looking to guide the team as they march on for mission X.
Super Falcons: The Youngies
While 7 players have been to the tournament on numerous occasions, 6 players will be marking their second appearances. All but one made their debuts at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and will be returning to the country this year to make a bigger statement.
These players include – right back, Michelle Alozie, Ashley Plumptre, Toni Payne, Christy Ucheibe and Ifeoma Onumonu. Chinwendu Ihezuo will be the last player to mark her second appearance in the tournament but she made her debut in 2018.
The Newbies in the squad
While a lot of names in Magudu’s squad have had a feel of what is the biggest women’s football tournament in Africa, 11 players will be making their debuts in Morocco come July 5th. A few of the players were the ones who shun brightest at the age grade level competitions while others are home grown talents ready to soar.
These players include – Rachael Unachukwu, Shukurat Oladipo, Sikiratu Isah, Oluwatosin Demehin, Miracle Usani, Jennifer Echegini, Esther Okoronkwo , Omorinsola Babajide, Folashade Ijamilusi and Chioma Okafor.
The Super Falcons who are current holders of CAF Women’s National team of the Year award will face Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana in Morocco starting with Tunisia on Sunday, 6th July, 2025 and yes, they will need lots of experience to bring Mission X home.
