WAFCON is Tougher: Can the Super Falcons Still Win Their 10th Title?

For decades, the Super Falcons of Nigeria have been the queens of African women’s football, strong, fearless, and far ahead of the pack. 

But things are changing. As Nigeria heads into the WAFCON final against Morocco, the country’s quest for a 10th title tagged #MissionX, faces its biggest test yet.

Yes, Nigeria has won WAFCON nine times in twelve tournaments, a feat no other nation can boast of. But this year’s competition in Morocco tells a different story. The Super Falcons may still be in the race, but it’s clear their days of easy wins are long gone.

Is this a new era of tougher matches

Unlike in previous years, Nigeria didn’t breeze through the tournament. In the group stage, they struggled to edge past Botswana and couldn’t score at all against Algeria. 

The knockout games were just as tight, with several matches in the tournament going into extra time or being decided by penalties. It’s a sign of the times, teams across Africa have improved, and the margin between “big” and “small” teams is now razor-thin.

Even Morocco, Nigeria’s final opponent, is not the underdog they used to be. They’ve reached their second straight WAFCON final and made history in 2023 by becoming the first North African team to reach the second round of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

Their local club, AS FAR, also lifted the continental title in 2022. This is a team on the rise, and they’ll be playing at home, with everything to fight for.

South Africa and the changing power map

Nigeria isn’t even the defending champion this year. That honour goes to South Africa, who won the last WAFCON in 2022. 

The South Africans have become one of the most consistent forces in African women’s football. Add to that the growing influence of Morocco, and the shift in power becomes more obvious.

How development is changing the game

The rise in competition is not by accident. More countries are investing in their women’s teams from grassroots academies to national policies. 

Morocco and South Africa, in particular, have seen major growth thanks to stronger funding, support from CAF and FIFA, and better league structures. 

Some countries even require every men’s club to also have a women’s team, a game-changer for long-term development.

Also, girls’ football academies are popping up across the continent. This means more young talents are getting trained early, creating a bigger and better pool of players for national teams.

Can Nigeria still win?

Of course, Nigeria still has a chance. With seasoned stars, big-match experience, and a proud legacy behind them, the Super Falcons are not to be written off. But they’ll have to fight harder than ever before.

WAFCON 2025 has made one thing clear, the rest of Africa is catching up. Whether or not Nigeria lifts the trophy this time, it’s no longer just about them.