With just a week to their opening match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against Tunisia, Nigeria’s Super Falcons sent a resounding message to the rest of the continent after defeating arch-rivals Ghana 3-1 in a final preparatory game played in Morocco today.
The nine-time African champions came into this fixture unbeaten in their warm-up matches, having recorded impressive victories over Cameroon, along with a goalless draw against Portugal in Lisbon last week. And once again, the Falcons showed their quality, intent, and hunger for a historic 10th continental crown.
The breakthrough arrived in the 34th minute through Mexico-based striker Chiwendu Ihezuo. The powerful forward effort took a deflection, it wrong-footed the goalkeeper and found the back of the net to give Nigeria the lead.
As halftime approached, the Super Falcons kept the pressure on their opponents. Their persistence paid off when Asisat Oshoala, the reigning Queen of African football, made no mistake from the penalty spot, calmly slotting home a minute before the break to make it 2-0 in favor of Nigeria.
The second half resumed with Nigeria in control, and it didn’t take long before captain Rasheedat Ajibade stamped her authority on the game. In the 51st minute, the pacey winger timed her run perfectly to receive a through ball before finishing clinically to extend Nigeria’s lead to 3-0 and all but seal the contest.
To their credit, Ghana’s Black Queens fought valiantly and were rewarded late on when they earned a penalty in the 88th minute. Alice Kusi stepped up and converted from the spot to pull a goal back for the Ghanaians.
Despite the scoreline, the Super Falcons refused to settle. They continued to press for more goals while Ghana defended with resilience to avoid a heavier defeat. Coach Madugu used the opportunity to make as many as seven substitutions, offering valuable game time to several squad members ahead of the tournament’s opening round.
This result means Nigeria heads into the 2024 WAFCON unbeaten in their preparatory matches, a significant confidence boost as they prepare to face Tunisia in their Group C opener. The Falcons have demonstrated depth, sharpness in attack, and defensive organization, sending a clear signal of their title ambitions.
With momentum on their side, Nigeria will now shift full focus to the tournament proper, where history awaits.
