Wafcon prepared by Super Falcons: a gave grove on the street or alarm cause?

Wafcon prepared by Super Falcons: a gave grove on the street or alarm cause?

By Samuel Ahmadu

While the countdown for the 2024 (Wafcon) women’s Africa Cup in Morocco continuously, growing concerns emerged for the evident lack of international commitments and field activities for the Super Falcons of Nigeria: the most successful women’s national team in Africa.

Two consecutive FIFA windows have passed without the Falcons Salcons on the pitch or group in the field, leaving the fans and parts concerned deeply disappointed. The silence was deafening. Yet between frustration, there is a request for units and has measured optimism while the team navigates in what is hoped is a temporary setback.

There is no sugar situation: the absence of structured preparations, in particular friendlies and camping, is a significant concern for a team that observes continental redemption. Personally, it is discouraging to attend such a break in activity at a time when the momentum and cohesion are more necessary. But while the reasons behind the inactivity may not feel good with many, they are not without context.

It is worth remembering that the football federation of Nigeria, in collaboration with the technical crew, had made bold steps at the end of last year to keep the team committed. In October 2024, the Super Falcons played an international two -legged friendly against Algeria, first in Ikenne, in the state of Ogun, and after the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, recording convincing victories and precious minutes for established talents, especially by the Nigeria Football Women League. This was quickly followed in November by a high -profile friendly against the guests of the 2019 women’s World Cup, offering players the opportunity to test their courage against one of the best Europeans.

These fixtures have given a glimmer of hope that a constant international exhibition was finally becoming a standard for the team. However, the momentum has been detached since then.

Encouraging, credible sources have confirmed that the plans are in motion to revive that moment. A two -legged international friendly was agreed for June (with the opposition still to be revealed publicly) and there are efforts in progress to guarantee another two -games commitment in May. If these games materialize, the last two windows before the tournament could be packed and intentional.

Beyond the fixtures, however, attention must be shift to the affirmation of the collective support for the team. The Super Falcons have constantly demonstrated their value on the continental and global phase and deserve every opportunity to be the best. This includes adequate preparations, exposure and support of all interested parties.

Equally important is the trust in the current technical configuration led by Justine Madugu, one of the most experienced and promising tactics on the home scene. In his short period with the team, Madugu not only demonstrated tactical cunning and a calm presence in the margin, but also gained enthusiastic reviews both by players and officials. His man management skills, attention to detail and ability to build team spirit have been identified as important resources. Those inside the field speak much of its approach: one that blends the discipline with empathy and tactical clarity with the empowerment of the players.

While some could see this as a harmful setback, others see a possibility for a late but strong rally. What is clear is that success at Wafcon 2024 will require more than talent: it will require a resolution, coordination and belief.

We select the course, we request better, but we also support the process. The journey to Moroccan glory is still alive and is one that we all have to undertake together.

Samuel Ahmadu is a women’s football expert and writes from Abuja, Nigeria