Super Falcons Land in Casablanca for Final WAFCON 2024 Preparations: All You Need to Know
The pride of Nigerian women’s football, the Super Falcons, have officially landed in Casablanca, Morocco, as they enter the final stretch of their intense preparations for the much-anticipated 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The arrival of the team marks a major step forward in Nigeria's quest to dominate African women’s football yet again and clinch a record-extending 10th continental title.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the team, consisting of 22 players and officials, made their way to Casablanca from Lisbon, Portugal, where they had been undergoing rigorous training in a pre-tournament camp.
“The Super Falcons have arrived in Casablanca, Morocco, for the final phase of their preparations ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON),” a statement from the NFF read.
This move marks the transition from training to active tournament readiness, and the mood in the camp is one of high spirits, focus, and unshakable determination.
Oshoala and Ijamilusi Join Squad in Casablanca
The Super Falcons received a boost in Casablanca with the arrival of two influential forwards — Asisat Oshoala and Folashade Ijamilusi.
Asisat Oshoala, a global football icon currently playing for Bay FC in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), joined her teammates on Tuesday. Her presence adds tremendous experience and attacking firepower to the squad. With five African Women’s Player of the Year awards under her belt and countless international goals, Oshoala remains one of Nigeria’s most lethal assets on the pitch.
Also joining the team is China-based striker Folashade Ijamilusi, a rising star who has made a name for herself in the Chinese women’s football league with her consistent goal-scoring record and agility.
With both players now in camp, the attacking unit of the Falcons looks sharp and well-prepared to face the best teams on the continent.
Super Falcons Hold Portugal to Goalless Draw in Friendly
Before arriving in Morocco, the Super Falcons had a stern test against a solid Portugal women’s national team in a friendly match held in Lisbon. The encounter, which ended in a goalless draw, was seen as a major confidence booster for the Nigerian side.
The Portuguese team, currently ranked among the top women’s football sides in Europe, tested the resilience, defensive discipline, and tactical awareness of Justine Madugu’s squad. In the end, the Falcons held their own, managing to shut down numerous attacking threats and showing great composure under pressure.
Coach Justine Madugu commended his players for their efforts, saying the team’s ability to match a high-caliber European side like Portugal was evidence that the team was moving in the right direction ahead of the tournament.
“We played with purpose, with control, and showed character,” Madugu said. “Holding Portugal to a goalless draw gives us motivation and shows we can compete with any team when we put in the work.”
Next Stop: Nigeria vs Ghana in High-Profile Friendly
As part of their final warm-up matches before the WAFCON 2024 officially begins, the Super Falcons will face their old rivals, the Black Queens of Ghana, in a crucial international friendly scheduled for Sunday in Casablanca.
The Nigeria vs Ghana football rivalry — whether in the men’s or women’s game — is one of the most fierce and iconic on the African continent. Matches between these two sides have always delivered drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.
This upcoming fixture is not just a preparatory match; it is also a chance for the Super Falcons to assert their dominance and build chemistry, especially with the integration of returning stars like Oshoala and Ijamilusi. The coaching crew will also be assessing individual performances as they finalize tactics and player combinations for the main tournament.
Super Falcons Group Fixtures at WAFCON 2024
Nigeria’s campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will officially begin on Sunday, July 6, when they go head-to-head with Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Following that crucial opener, the Falcons will then play their second and third group-stage matches against Botswana and Algeria, respectively.
Here’s a full breakdown of the Super Falcons’ group-stage fixtures:
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Nigeria vs Tunisia – Sunday, July 6, 2024
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Nigeria vs Botswana – (Date to be confirmed)
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Nigeria vs Algeria – (Date to be confirmed)
All three matches are scheduled to take place in Casablanca, providing a consistent base for the team throughout the first round.
Nigeria’s Legendary WAFCON Record
The Super Falcons are not just participants in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations — they are the most successful team in the history of the competition. Nigeria has won the tournament an astounding nine times, making the nation the powerhouse of African women’s football.
Here’s a quick look at Nigeria’s WAFCON title wins:
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🏆 1998
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🏆 2000
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🏆 2002
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🏆 2004
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🏆 2006
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🏆 2010
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🏆 2014
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🏆 2016
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🏆 2018
In addition to their record number of titles, the Super Falcons have also reached at least the semi-final stage in every single edition of the tournament since its inception — including in 2008, 2012, and most recently, 2022.
This remarkable consistency is a testament to the country’s robust talent pipeline, the commitment of the players, and the deep football culture embedded in Nigerian society.
What to Expect from WAFCON 2024
The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations promises to be one of the most competitive editions ever, with teams like South Africa, Cameroon, Morocco, and Ghana all fielding strong squads.
However, Nigeria remains one of the top favorites to win the tournament, especially with a well-balanced squad that combines youth and experience. Coach Justine Madugu’s tactical approach will be tested, and much will depend on the performance of key players like Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Toni Payne.
Final Words
As the Super Falcons arrive in Casablanca for the final leg of their preparations, Nigerian football fans at home and abroad are filled with hope and anticipation. With an experienced squad, a rich history of success, and the backing of a passionate nation, the team is ready to fly once more and bring the WAFCON trophy back to Nigeria.
Stay tuned to NaijaRush for exclusive updates, match previews, player interviews, and all the latest news on the Super Falcons and WAFCON 2024.
