With just three days remaining before the kickoff of the 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) maintains its countdown.

They are revisiting some of the tournament’s most iconic moments.

Wednesday’s spotlight highlights Nigeria’s historic and dominant run at the 1998 edition. This campaign was unrivaled and remains one of the most emphatic in WAFCON history.

Hosted on home soil, the 1998 tournament marked the fourth edition of the competition and showcased a Super Falcons team at the peak of their powers.

Under the leadership of standout players such as Florence Omagbemi, Nkiru Okosieme, and goalkeeper Ann Chiejine, Nigeria swept through the tournament without conceding a single goal.

The Falcons opened their campaign in ruthless fashion, demolishing Morocco 8-0 in their first group match. That result was quickly followed by back-to-back 6-0 victories over DR Congo and Egypt, taking their group stage tally to 20 goals scored and none conceded.

Their momentum continued into the semi-finals where they overwhelmed Cameroon 6-0. In the final against Ghana, the Super Falcons capped off their perfect run with a composed 2-0 win to clinch their fourth consecutive WAFCON title.

“We were on a mission. Playing at home came with pressure, but also motivation. We wanted to show that no one could match us on the continent,” Omagbemi later told the BBC.

Nigeria’s 1998 triumph was not just a display of attacking flair, but also of rare defensive solidity. Across five matches, the team scored 28 goals and maintained five clean sheets—an achievement unmatched in the tournament’s history.

Beyond the statistics, the victory reinforced Nigeria’s football identity: fast, physical, and driven by a mix of individual brilliance and collective cohesion. That 1998 squad laid the foundation for future generations and set a benchmark for African women’s football.

As the continent prepares for WAFCON 2024 in Morocco, Nigeria’s perfect campaign 26 years ago stands as a powerful reminder of the high standards required at the top level—and the legacy of dominance the Super Falcons continue to uphold amid rising competition.

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The winning team of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will engrave its name in history.

As anticipation builds for the start of the competition in Morocco this weekend, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) is set to unveil a brand-new trophy for the tournament.

The new silverware, designed in collaboration with WAFCON’s title sponsor, TotalEnergies, will be officially launched on Wednesday, July 2, in Morocco. The unveiling is part of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s broader vision to elevate women’s football across the continent.

The launch will take place in two parts: first on CAF’s digital platforms in the afternoon, followed by an exclusive trophy event later in the evening, hosted in partnership with TotalEnergies.

WAFCON Morocco 2024 officially kicks off on Saturday, July 5, with hosts Morocco taking on Zambia at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. The opening match is scheduled for 21h00 local time (20h00 GMT / 22h00 Lusaka / 23h00 Cairo).

The new trophy symbolizes a fresh era for African women’s football as the tournament continues to grow in stature and visibility across the globe.

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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.

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