WAFCON
WAFCON 2024: Nigeria, Algeria Set for Clash of Immaculate Defences in Group B Decider
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
The group stage of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is winding down. A titanic defensive duel looms large in Group B.
Two unbeaten and unbreached teams, Nigeria and Algeria, will go head-to-head this Sunday, at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. in essence, only Nigeria and Algeria among the competing 12 teams, are yet to concede any goal so far.
Both sides have impressed not only with results. They also have rock-solid organization. They stand out as the only two teams in the tournament yet to concede a single goal.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are nine-time champions of Africa. They lead the group with six points from two matches. They dispatched Tunisia 3–0. They also edged Botswana 1–0. Algeria’s Lady Fennecs trail closely behind with four points.
They earned these points from a 1–0 victory over Botswana. They also had a goalless stalemate against Tunisia.
This final group clash is not just a battle for top spot. It’s a rare collision of two defences. These defences have remained pristine throughout the group stage.
For Nigeria, defensive resilience has been anchored by the ever-reliable Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal. She is ably shielded by a backline that has kept opponents at bay with remarkable ease.
The team has also shown balance, with Asisat Oshoala and Chinwendu Ihezuo leading the charge in attack while maintaining discipline at the rear.
Algeria, under coach Farid Benstiti, have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament. The Lady Fennecs are often overshadowed by more prominent North African teams.
However, they have quietly built a reputation for being hard to break down. Goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi has stood tall between the posts. The defensive quartet in front of her have soaked up pressure. They show impressive cohesion and tactical awareness.
The stakes are clear. A draw will be enough for Nigeria to top the group. Algeria need at least a point to secure passage to the quarter-finals.
A win for the North Africans would see them leapfrog Nigeria to finish as group leaders. This scenario seemed unlikely before the tournament kicked off.
Both teams boast clean sheets. The match could hinge on who blinks first in defence.
It may also depend on who finds the creative spark to unlock what has so far been impenetrable.
Nigeria’s experience at this level gives them the edge on paper. However, Algeria’s newfound confidence is significant. Their dogged determination suggests they won’t be overawed by the occasion.
As the sun sets over Casablanca on Sunday night, fans can expect a tense, tactical contest. One goal might be enough to settle it.
Maintaining a perfect defensive record could prove just as crucial as scoring. It’s a battle of the unbeaten. A battle of the unbroken. And only one will emerge as Group B’s undisputed leader.
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By Kunle Solaja.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed, with Africa’s football governing body announcing new dates for the tournament in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition. It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.
CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.
In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.
Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 edition of the tournament, is expected to leverage its modern stadium infrastructure and growing reputation as a major football events destination to deliver another high-profile competition.
CAF expressed confidence that the revised schedule will allow all stakeholders to adequately prepare for the tournament.
“Preparations for the WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the governing body stated.
The tournament will bring together Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental supremacy, with the rescheduling expected to give organisers additional time to ensure optimal preparations for the event.
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The Confederation of African Football has announced that it will issue an official communication within the next 48 hours regarding the situation surrounding the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
In a brief message posted on social media, CAF indicated that the matter has been under extensive discussion in recent weeks and is currently receiving urgent attention at the highest levels of the organisation.
“CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There have been several discussions over the past weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” the confederation stated.
Although CAF did not provide specific details about the issue under review, the statement suggests that senior officials within the continental governing body are working toward a resolution.
The development has sparked anticipation across the African football community, particularly among national teams preparing for the women’s continental championship.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to clarify the circumstances and outline the next steps for the tournament when it releases its official update within the stipulated timeframe.
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Reigning African champions Nigeria produced a commanding response, defeating Cameroon 3–1 on Tuesday in the second of their pre-WAFCON international friendlies in Yaounde.
Three days after suffering a narrow 1–0 loss at the Military Stadium, the Super Falcons returned to the same venue. They delivered a far more assured performance, underlining their pedigree as perennial continental powerhouses.
Head Coach Justin Madugu rang the changes, making seven alterations to the starting line-up that featured in Saturday’s defeat. However, it was Cameroon who struck first again, netting in the seventh minute to momentarily raise concerns of a repeat setback.
Nigeria responded with composure and growing authority.
Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo restored parity in the 32nd minute, rising above her marker to power home a header from a well-delivered cross by Rinsola Babajide. The equaliser settled the Falcons, who began to dictate tempo and press with greater coordination.
Just before the break, the comeback was completed. After a scramble inside the Cameroonian box, Babajide reacted quickest to fire home in the 43rd minute, turning provider into scorer to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead at halftime.
Madugu’s reshaped midfield proved decisive, pressing higher up the pitch, shutting down central channels and forcing the Lionesses into speculative long balls.
The Falcons extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, influential down the right flank, delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Michelle Alozie attacked the ball with conviction, launching into a flying header that made it 3–1 and effectively sealed the contest.
Both sides treated the two-match series as crucial preparation for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
For Nigeria, the emphatic victory not only avenged Saturday’s defeat but also reaffirmed their status as Africa’s benchmark in women’s football heading into the continental showpiece.
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