TotalEnergies CAF Women’s AFCON 2024: Team Profile – Nigeria
How the Team Qualified
Nigeria secured their place at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2024 place with an authoritative display across both qualifying rounds. The Super Falcons reaffirmed their dominance in the second round against Cape Verde.
In the first leg, they delivered a commanding attacking performance to win 5–0. Despite fielding a rotated squad in the return leg in Praia, they got the job done with a 2–1 victory, sealing another appearance at the tournament.
TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations History
Nigeria has dominated the history of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations since its inception. The Super Falcons have won nine of the twelve editions held, demonstrating remarkable longevity at the summit of African women’s football. Their reign began in 1998 and continued in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018.
In the 2008 edition, they finished third, having been eliminated in the semi-finals of a tournament eventually won by Equatorial Guinea, who defeated South Africa 2–1 in the final. Equatorial Guinea thus became the first nation other than Nigeria to claim the trophy. Two years later, the Nigerians took their revenge by defeating the defending champions 4–2 in the 2010 final to reclaim the title. However, in 2012, Equatorial Guinea struck back, winning a second continental crown.
Nigeria then returned to winning ways, lifting three consecutive titles in 2014, 2016, and 2018. The Super Falcons beat Cameroon 2–0 in the final in Windhoek, then 1–0 in Yaoundé, before overcoming South Africa on penalties (4–3) in Accra in 2018.
In 2022, in Morocco, they finished fourth after a 1–0 defeat to Zambia in the third-place match. This impressive record firmly establishes Nigeria as the undisputed powerhouse of African women’s football.
Players to Watch
Asisat Oshoala
Widely regarded as one of the greatest African players in history, Oshoala is a six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year. Having played for Liverpool, Arsenal, Dalian Quanjian, and most notably FC Barcelona where she made history as the first African woman to score in a UEFA Women’s Champions League final (2021).
Quick, technically gifted, and physically dominant, she remains a potent attacking force. In 2024, she joined Bay FC in the NWSL and continues to impress.
Rasheedat Ajibade
The Atlético Madrid forward is another vital weapon in Nigeria’s attack. Versatile and able to play on the wings or behind the striker, Ajibade is known for her sharp dribbling and ability to influence high-pressure games. She scored against Cameroon in the 2022 tournament and made a strong impact at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Head Coach
Justin Madugu, a CAF A and B licensed coach, leads Nigeria’s Super Falcons to the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a wealth of experience and deep familiarity with the team. Having served as assistant to former head coach Randy Waldrum, Madugu has been part of multiple WAFCON campaigns and understands the dynamics of African women’s football at the highest level. His promotion to head coach brings continuity, tactical knowledge, and calm authority to the bench. With years spent guiding and supporting Nigeria’s top talents, Madugu is well-positioned to inspire the Falcons in their quest for continental glory.
Ambitions and Group Outlook
Nigeria will compete in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana.
On paper, the Super Falcons are overwhelming favourites, with their experience and individual quality placing them above the rest.
However, recent history has reminded them not to underestimate any opponent, with their semi-final defeat to Morocco in 2022 standing as a cautionary tale.