Nigeria’s preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is gaining momentum as head coach Justin Madugu confirms the submission of the Super Falcons’ provisional squad to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Although the squad list remains under wraps, Madugu assured that it would be made public before the team’s friendly match against Portugal on Monday.
“The list has been submitted, and it will be made public in the coming days by the federation. That will definitely happen before our friendly against Portugal,” Madugu told PUNCH Sports Extra.
The coach declined to reveal details about the selected players, adding, “We know the procedure. We have submitted the list, and it will be made official by the federation. Maybe after it has been released, if there are questions for me to answer, I will attend to them.”
The Super Falcons are drawn in Group B of the WAFCON, where they will face Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. Their campaign begins on July 6 against Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
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This will be Madugu’s first major tournament as head coach, following his appointment to succeed American tactician Randy Waldrum.
‘Mission X’ Campaign Unveiled to Rally Support
Ahead of the tournament, the NFF has launched a comprehensive media campaign dubbed “Mission X”, aimed at galvanising support for the Super Falcons from Nigerians at home and abroad.
“We are committed to fully supporting the Super Falcons’ campaign for a 10th continental title,” said NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, speaking from the United States.
“That is why we are launching the Mission X campaign—to sensitise football-loving Nigerians, both young and old, from all walks of life, to come out and support the team.”
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Nigeria remains Africa’s most decorated women’s national team, having won nine WAFCON titles from 12 editions since the tournament’s inception in 1998. They also made history as Africa’s sole representatives at the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cups in 1991 and 1995, even before the WAFCON was formally established.
The Falcons last lifted the WAFCON trophy in 2018 and will be aiming for a record-extending 10th title this year.
Before heading to Morocco, the team will train in Portugal, where they are set to test their readiness against the Portuguese national side in a friendly scheduled for Monday.
