Falcons all set to go for their 10th African title when they take on Tunisia tomorrow

NIGERIA'S Super Falcons are all set to begin their quest for a tenth Women's Africa Cup of Nations trophy when they get their campaign going tomorrow in their opening match against Tunisia at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

Playing in Group B alongside Algeria, Botswana and Tunisia, the Falcons are one of the favourites to lift the trophy and take home the increased prize pot of $1m. Other teams in the running for the coveted trophy include defending champions South Africa, also known as Bayana Bayana, Zambia's Copper Queens and the hosts, the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco.

In the run-up to the tournament, the Falcons have been in good form, beating Cameroon 2-0 in Abeokuta, drawing 0-0 with Portugal in Lisbon and defeating Ghana 3-1 in Casablanca. Nigeria has a star-studded team in this tournament, build around a solid back four and the inform Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal.

Nnadozie, 24, who has just signed for English Women's Super League giants Brighton and Hove Albion, has been reliable within the sticks for the Super Falcons over recent years. In front of her, the back four of Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre started all of Nigeria's 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup games and have developed a synergy, understanding and communication between themselves.

In midfield, Deborah Abiodun has been immense since making her debut in 2022 and popularly referred to as the Nigerian Kante, her shielding of the back four is expected to be a big plus for the team. Alongside her, Benfica's Christy Ucheibe, 24, is expected to work as the box-to-box midfielder, with maybe Toni Payne playing as playmaker.

Upfront, Nigeria is spoilt for choice with coach Justin Magudu having to pick just three from Jennifer Echegini, Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Osoala, Ifeoma Onumonu,  Francisca Ortega, Alimat Ayinde, Omorinsola Babajide and Esther Okoronkwo. Coach Madugu has always emphasized the importance of team cohesion and ongoing development as a vital ingredient for success.

He said: "It will always be work in progress but we are very focused on our realisable and achievable target of Mission X. The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory and team spirit is high and we are looking forward to our first match on Sunday against Tunisia.”                     

Possible starting 11:

Chiamaka Nnadozie; Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, Ashleigh Plumptre; Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Rasheedat Ajibade, Francesca Ordega, Ifeoma Onumonu.