Nigeria’s Super Falcons have touched down in Casablanca, Morocco, ahead of the 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they aim to clinch a record-extending 10th continental crown.

The Nigerian delegation, comprising 22 players and officials, arrived in Morocco’s commercial capital on Wednesday night from Lisbon, Portugal, where they held the Portuguese national team to a goalless draw in a keenly contested friendly at the Estádio José Gomes.

Boosting the squad in Casablanca were China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi and USA-based Asisat Oshoala, who linked up with the team directly from their respective bases.

The nine-time African champions displayed grit and discipline in their friendly outing against Portugal, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Shukurat Oladipo, and veteran forward Francisca Ordega putting in standout performances that offer a glimpse of what to expect at the tournament.

The Super Falcons will begin their WAFCON 2024 campaign against Tunisia on Sunday, July 6, at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. Subsequent group fixtures will see them face Botswana and Algeria as they look to maintain their proud record of always reaching at least the semi-finals since the competition’s inception in 1998.

Nigeria has previously lifted the trophy in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018, and reached the last four in 2008, 2012, and 2022.

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With just over two weeks to go before the kick-off of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) and the Local Organizing Committee have announced that ticket sales will commence this week.

The first phase of sales, exclusively for VISA cardholders, will begin on Thursday, 26 June 2025. General ticket sales will follow on Saturday, 28 June 2025, with tickets available online via WeBook.com. Fans can purchase tickets across three categories: Premium, Category 1, and Category 2.

The opening match of Africa’s premier women’s football tournament will take place on Saturday, 5 July 2025, at the newly constructed Olympic Stadium in Rabat, where host nation Morocco will face off against Zambia. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 local time (20:00 GMT).

The 2024 edition promises intense competition among the continent’s top teams, with the group stage featuring the following lineups:

• Group A: Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo
• Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana
• Group C: South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania

Morocco and Zambia, who have shown remarkable progress since the last edition in 2022, will set the tone for what is expected to be a landmark tournament for women’s football in Africa.

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As the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) draws near, all eyes are once again on Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala—a decade after she first announced herself to the continent in spectacular fashion.

Back in 2014, a relatively unknown 20-year-old forward lit up the tournament in Namibia, leaving an indelible mark on African women’s football. That year proved to be a turning point for both Oshoala and the Super Falcons.

Leading Nigeria’s frontline with poise and power, Oshoala scored four goals, provided crucial assists, and was the driving force behind Nigeria’s run to their seventh WAFCON title. In the final, she played a key role in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Cameroon and was deservedly named the tournament’s Best Player.

Her rise to stardom had already begun earlier that year on the global stage. At the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, she netted seven goals and claimed both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, firmly establishing herself as a rising star in world football.

“2014 changed the course of my life,” she later reflected. “It was my first major senior tournament, and that’s when I realized I could become one of the best.”

Since that breakout year, Oshoala has risen to become the undisputed face of African women’s football. Now 29, she holds the record for the most CAF Women’s Player of the Year awards, winning the prestigious title six times—in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023.

Her impact has gone far beyond the continent. After stints with Liverpool and Arsenal in England, Oshoala joined FC Barcelona in 2019, where she reached new heights. She helped the Spanish giants to the UEFA Women’s Champions League title in 2021 and became the first African woman to score in a final. The following year, she finished as the joint top scorer in Spain’s Liga F with 20 goals.

“I represent something bigger than myself,” she said upon renewing her contract with Barcelona in 2022. “I know that thousands of young girls across Africa are watching me.”

Her international record is equally impressive: three WAFCON titles (2014, 2016, 2018), over 30 international goals, and appearances at three FIFA Women’s World Cups. In 2023, she made history by becoming the first African player—male or female—to score in three different Women’s World Cup tournaments, with a crucial goal against Australia.

Now preparing for her fifth WAFCON, Oshoala stands as a symbol of excellence and consistency. Ten years after conquering the continent, she returns not just as a participant—but as an icon.

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