Super Falcons Poised for 10th WAFCON Triumph, Mbachu Insists

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and coach Justine Madugu have both voiced unshakeable belief in the Super Falcons securing their record-breaking 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown in Morocco. This confidence was echoed by former player and pundit Mbachu, who is urging the squad to maintain their sharp mindset ahead of the competition.

Ajibade, speaking ahead of the tournament, highlighted the team’s unyielding determination and unity, recalling their recent 2‑0 friendly win over Cameroon. “There’s a lot of confidence in camp and we’re committed to our goal. We all understand what’s at stake,” she explained, stressing the importance of flawless on‑pitch execution and support off it.

Head coach Madugu has christened the mission “Mission X” or “La Decima”, stressing the focus needed to reclaim the title lost to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the last edition, also hosted by Morocco.He stated, “We’re fully aware of our mission … That’s the goal: to win our 10th WAFCON title and bring it back home.

Reinforcing Madugu’s message, Mbachu voiced support, emphasising that the team possesses both the talent and resolve required to lift the trophy. He believes the players are primed for success and that their recent results reflect real momentum heading into the July kick‑off.

Nigeria is drawn in Group B with Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana, and is scheduled to begin their campaign on Sunday, 6 July against Tunisia at Casablanca’s Larbi Zaouli Stadium. The squad has already arrived in Morocco, with a confidence‑boosting 0‑0 draw against Portugal in Lisbon adding to their belief.

Editorial

We celebrate the resurgence of confidence within the Super Falcons camp. National pride demands nothing less than unwavering belief, so hearing leaders like Ajibade, Madugu and Mbachu speak with such clarity reflects a squad aligned in purpose. This unity is vital, because history shows that teams who conquer Africa’s women’s football scene carry not just talent, but conviction.

There is immense symbolic weight in claiming a 10th WAFCON title an achievement that would both honour past glories and reassure Nigerians that ambition matches tradition. Madugu’s framing of the campaign as “Mission X” positions this pursuit not merely as a sporting endeavour but as a statement of national identity. We endorse that vision.

The Falcons cannot afford distractions. Balance between preparation and composure is essential. Their recent outings including the Cameroon win and steady performance in Lisbon demonstrate readiness, but it is in the tournament’s pressure cooker that character is truly tested. Maintaining focus will be as crucial as tactical execution.

It is also encouraging to see confidence in indigenous leadership. Madugu and veterans like Ajibade and Mbachu encapsulate the kind of seasoned leadership that can guide a young team through high‑stakes encounters. Their presence reassures us that Nigeria’s homegrown talent is not only viable but essential at the highest levels.

We share this belief wholeheartedly: the Super Falcons are prepared, the nation is watching, and together they could etch “La Decima” into history. Victory will be a testament to their unity, skill and belief. That is where our conviction began and it is where our faith in them will stand.

Did You Know?

1. The Super Falcons have won the WAFCON nine times out of 12 tournaments since its official inception in 1998.
2. Nigeria was a pioneer, participating in the 1991 and 1995 FIFA Women’s World Cups long before WAFCON’s formal launch.
3. They last lifted the WAFCON trophy in 2018 before losing to South Africa in the 2022 final on penalties.
4. WAFCON 2024 will take place across multiple Moroccan cities from 5 to 26 July 2025.
5. Rasheedat Ajibade, the team captain, plays club football in Europe and has over 50 caps for the national team, bringing vital international experience.