Nigeria’s Super Falcons, nine-time champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), are gearing up for a crucial final qualifying round clash against Côte d’Ivoire’s Lady Elephants in Abuja. With a spot at the Morocco 2022 tournament on the line, the team is determined to secure victory and defend their continental title while eyeing qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
High Stakes in Abuja Showdown
The Super Falcons earned their place in this round with a tight 2-1 aggregate win over Ghana’s Black Queens. Now, they face a formidable Lady Elephants side that dominated Niger Republic with a staggering 20-0 aggregate score in the previous round. Coach Randy Waldrum emphasized the match’s importance, stating, “Every player knows we must win to reach the Women’s AFCON, where African teams for the FIFA Women’s World Cup are decided.” The first leg, hosted at MKO Abiola Stadium—the team’s first match there since defeating Senegal 2-0 in 2016—promises to be a pivotal battle. A strong home performance is critical before the return leg in Abidjan’s Stade Robert Champroux.
Motivation and Redemption
Veteran defender Onome Ebi highlighted the team’s drive, fueled by multiple goals: defending their WAFCON crown, securing a World Cup berth, and avenging a past loss to Côte d’Ivoire that ended Nigeria’s hopes for the 2020 Olympic Women’s Football Tournament. “These matches will be as intense as a WAFCON final,” Ebi said, noting the team’s readiness for a tough challenge. The Super Falcons are highly motivated, with players training rigorously in Abuja to prepare for the high-scoring Ivorian side, which arrived in Nigeria primed for the encounter.
Path to Morocco 2022 and Beyond
The Morocco 2022 Women’s AFCON, a 12-team tournament, will see its four semi-finalists qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. This marks the first Women’s World Cup to feature 32 teams, aligning with the men’s format. Morocco, as hosts, and Uganda, who qualified after Kenya’s withdrawal, have already secured their spots. The remaining 10 teams will emerge from a 20-team final qualifying round, with matches including Burundi vs. Djibouti, Zambia vs. Namibia, South Africa vs. Algeria, and Cameroon vs. The Gambia. Nigeria’s clash with Côte d’Ivoire is a critical step toward joining these qualifiers.
A Defining Moment for Nigeria
The Super Falcons face a high-pressure duel with both immediate and long-term implications. A strong performance in Abuja could set the tone for the return leg in Abidjan, where the Lady Elephants will leverage home support. Success in this tie is essential for Nigeria to maintain their dominance in African women’s football and secure a coveted World Cup spot.
