In the rich tapestry of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), few names resonate as powerfully as Onome Ebi.

The veteran Nigerian defender has etched her name in history as the most capped player in the tournament’s annals, with a remarkable seven appearances spanning over 14 years.

From her debut in 2008 to her swansong in 2022, Ebi was a fixture in Nigeria’s defensive line, featuring in the 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2022 editions of the competition.

Her presence bridged generations of the Super Falcons, maintaining a steady hand and sharp mind as the team evolved across tactics, teammates, and challenges.

A central figure in Nigeria’s dominance on the continent, Ebi lifted the trophy four times — in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018 — adding to a glittering career that also includes over 100 international caps and five FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances.

But her contribution to the Super Falcons goes far beyond the numbers.

“Each African Cup has its own requirements. It’s never a formality, even for a team like Nigeria,” she said during the 2018 tournament in Ghana, which ended with a dramatic title win over South Africa.

Known for her composure, tactical awareness, and no-nonsense defending, Ebi was as much a leader off the pitch as she was on it.

By the time she took part in the 2022 finals in Morocco — her last appearance in the competition — she had become the guiding light for younger players in the squad.

“As the oldest member of the group, I had a moral duty: to motivate the young people, to set an example. You don’t stay in the national team with your past, you stay there with your rigour,” she reflected at the time.

Though Nigeria fell short of clinching the title in 2022, Ebi’s enduring presence was a testament to her commitment, resilience, and deep-rooted love for the game and the green-and-white jersey.

Today, Onome Ebi’s legacy is etched in WAFCON history — not just in the medals or the matches played, but in the standard she set for generations to come. Her name stands tall as a symbol of longevity, excellence, and unwavering national pride.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

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.

 Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

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.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H