The nine-time African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, are scheduled to arrive in Casablanca, Morocco, on Wednesday, in preparation for their participation in the 2024 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will take place from July 5 to July 26 in the North African nation, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
As of Tuesday, seven players had already arrived in Casablanca, including United States-based trio Ms. Asisat Oshoala, Ms. Michelle Alozie, and Ms. Deborah Abiodun. They were joined by Ms. Chinwendu Ihezuo, Ms. Folashade Ijamilusi, Ms. Esther Okoronkwo, and newly invited player Ms. Chioma Okafor.
Head coach Mr. Justin Madugu had 17 players at his disposal during the team’s recent international friendly against Portugal, which concluded in a goalless draw on Monday.
Ms. Chiamaka Nnadozie, the reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year, was the most notable performer in the match, delivering a series of outstanding saves to preserve the clean sheet. The Super Falcons’ most promising scoring opportunity came in the final moments, when Ms. Francisca Ordega struck the crossbar from distance.
The remaining members of the Super Falcons squad, who participated in Monday’s international friendly against Portugal, are scheduled to depart Lisbon for Casablanca on Wednesday (today). Upon arrival, the team is set to face long-standing rivals, Ghana’s Black Queens, in a friendly match on Sunday, June 29. The Black Queens arrived in Benslimane, Morocco, the previous Tuesday to commence a 14-day training camp in preparation for the forthcoming tournament.
Nigeria, the most successful women’s national team on the African continent, will be seeking a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title. Since the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially inaugurated the tournament in 1998, Nigeria has secured victory in nine of the twelve editions held to date.
The Super Falcons have been drawn into Group B, where they will compete against Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. All group matches are scheduled to take place at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Nigeria is set to commence its WAFCON 2024 campaign on Sunday, July 6, with a group-stage fixture against Tunisia in Casablanca.#newsafro_
