Nigeria’s Super Falcons were held to a 0–0 stalemate by Algeria in their final group-stage clash of WAFCON 2024 in Casablanca. The match, played under emotional circumstances, saw both sides locked in, as neither Rasheedat Ajibade, Jennifer Echegini, nor Chinwendu Ihezuo could break the deadlock.
Moments before kickoff, the Falcons observed a minute’s silence in tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away earlier on Sunday.
Coach Justine Madugu implemented further squad rotation, resting key starters and giving game time to other players ahead of the quarter-finals. Despite a lively performance from Francisca Ordega and encouraging glimpses by Echegini and Esther Okoronkwo, Nigeria could not find a breakthrough, with Algerian keeper Chloe N’gazi Boumrar and a resolute Fennecs defence denying clear opportunities throughout.
The result preserved Nigeria’s unbeaten Group B run finishing top with 7 points while assuring Algeria their first-ever progression to WAFCON quarter-finals as runners-up on 5 points.
Editorial
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We see this goalless draw not as a setback but as a testament to Nigeria’s depth and discipline. In the midst of grief, with a minute’s silence for former President Buhari, the players maintained composure and solidarity under pressure. That steadiness speaks to a team grounded in purpose beyond performance.
Though Ajibade, Echegini and Ihezuo were held off the scoresheet, the true success lies in collective resilience. Under Justin Madugu’s rotation policy, fresh legs and local talents gained exposure vital for squad harmony and tactical flexibility. Francisca Ordega’s energy, along with glimpses from Echegini and Okoronkwo, underlines our belief in the squad’s breadth beyond its stars.
Algeria’s historic qualification adds weight to Nigeria’s unbeaten record but it does not overshadow the Falcons’ dominance. Finishing top of the group with a clean sheet remains our priority, setting the tone for knockout ambition.
Nigeria have proved they can deliver results amid adversity and change. Our faith remains: this squad is poised not only to reach but to win the title. When push comes to shove, this collective spirit and adaptability could be our greatest weapon.
Did You Know?
- Before this goalless draw, Nigeria had scored 10 goals and conceded none in four straight WAFCON group-stage matches—their best defensive start since 1998.
- Algeria became the first host nation to reach WAFCON quarter-finals in tournament history in 2025 .
- Midfielder Jennifer Echegini was part of the midfield duo praised for “short, progressive passing” that helped Nigeria control earlier matches.
- Francisca Ordega just missed opening the scoring with a sharp cross cleared off the line during this match.
- Goalie Chloe N’gazi Boumrar’s performance for Algeria included multiple key saves to shut out the Falcons, showcasing the rising standard of North African women’s football.
