As the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off on Sunday, July 6, the spotlight shines brightly on Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the continent’s most successful women’s national team, as they begin their quest to reclaim the crown. The 11-time champions open their campaign against Tunisia in Group B at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
This year’s edition, hosted in Morocco for the second consecutive time, features 12 teams drawn into three groups. The top two from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarterfinals.
For the Super Falcons, the mission is clear: reclaim the trophy they lost to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in 2022 and reassert their dominance in African women’s football. With stars like Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Chiamaka Nnadozie in their ranks, Nigeria enters the tournament with both experience and high expectations.
The Falcons are drawn into Group B alongside Tunisia, Cape Verde, and Togo, a group that offers a mix of known threats and emerging teams. Sunday’s clash with Tunisia is more than just a group-stage opener; it’s a potential tone-setter for Nigeria’s entire campaign.
A Crucial Opener
A win against Tunisia will offer breathing space ahead of potentially tricky fixtures against Cape Verde and Togo. A draw may complicate their qualification route, while a loss would be a major upset, one that could destabilise their tournament from the start.
Historically, Nigeria has had the edge over Tunisia. In their last WAFCON meeting in 2022, the Falcons edged a spirited Tunisian side 1–0 in a tense quarterfinal. But the gap between giants and challengers is narrowing. With the rapid growth of women’s football across the continent, underdogs like Tunisia are no longer mere participants; they’re contenders.
Tunisian head coach Kamel Saada acknowledged the difficulty of the group in an interview with CAF Online, stating, “It’s a tough group. Everyone knows the quality of Nigeria… We’ll need to be disciplined, focused, and play our best football.”
Star Power Meets New Blood
Led by head coach Justine Madugu, the Super Falcons head into WAFCON 2025 with a potent mix of seasoned internationals and fresh talent. Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade will anchor the attack alongside the prolific Asisat Oshoala, while midfield maestro Toni Payne and shot-stopper Chiamaka Nnadozie offer crucial stability. The defensive line is bolstered by veterans Osinachi Ohale and Michelle Alozie.
Emerging stars like Folashade Ijamilusi, Sikiratu Isah, and Chioma Okafor add depth and energy to the 24-woman squad, players hungry to make their mark on the big stage.
The Stakes
For the Super Falcons, WAFCON is more than just a competition; it’s a platform to showcase resilience, inspire a new generation, and continue a legacy built over decades. With rivals like defending champions South Africa, Ghana, and Morocco in the mix, reclaiming the title will demand more than history; it will require hunger, cohesion, and execution.
Their journey begins on Sunday in Casablanca. And while the road to glory is long, Nigeria’s Super Falcons know how to walk it; they’ve done it eleven times before.
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