
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to take the pitch tonight at 8 PM for their final Group B match in the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), confident and already guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals. The nine-time WAFCON champions have once again lived up to expectations in this year’s tournament, displaying dominance and unity in their opening games that have secured them early passage into the next round. But the team, under the leadership of head coach Randy Waldrum, insists they are not resting on their laurels as they face their final group stage opponents.
Excitement is in the air as the atmosphere around the Nigerian camp remains upbeat ahead of tonight’s fixture. The match, set to be played at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, promises to be more than a formality, as the Falcons are determined to maintain their perfect group stage record and keep the winning momentum alive. Their last match was a thrilling display of Nigerian attacking power, with fans treated to world-class goals and fluid team coordination that reminded everyone why the Super Falcons remain the most decorated women’s football team on the continent.
Despite already punching their ticket to the quarter-finals, team captain Onome Ebi emphasized the importance of finishing strong. “This is not just about qualifying; this is about setting the tone for the rest of the tournament. We want to keep our heads in the game and send a message to our rivals that we are here for the trophy,” she said during a press briefing on Sunday evening. That sentiment echoes throughout the squad, as players remain laser-focused on keeping their clean sheet record and topping the group with a third straight win.
So far in the group stages, Nigeria has shown class, composure, and creativity. Their opening match saw a convincing win, marked by Asisat Oshoala’s signature brilliance up front and a midfield masterclass from Toni Payne. In their second outing, the Falcons were even more clinical, capitalizing on defensive errors and dominating possession from start to finish. Their goal difference has soared, making them not only group leaders but also one of the tournament’s top-scoring sides.
Tonight’s game, although technically less significant for progression, carries weight in terms of seeding and psychological advantage. Nigeria is set to face either the second-placed team from Group C or a lower-ranked quarter-finalist, depending on tonight’s result and final group standings. Winning all three group matches would also extend Nigeria’s unbeaten streak in the competition and could boost their confidence as they head into the knockout stages.
Coach Randy Waldrum has hinted at possible squad rotation for the game, but reassured fans that the team remains fully competitive. “Yes, we have qualified, and that allows us the opportunity to rest one or two players, but we are still going out there to win. This is a tournament, and momentum is crucial. We want to keep the energy high, keep everyone sharp, and build team chemistry,” he stated in a pre-match interview.
Fans across Nigeria and the diaspora are gearing up for another night of football celebration, with viewing centers expected to fill up from early evening. Social media platforms have already started buzzing with predictions, fan-made graphics, and excitement over tonight’s starting eleven. The hashtag #NGSuper_Falcons continues to trend as supporters rally behind the team with patriotic fervor and optimism.
While the identity of tonight’s opponent wasn’t officially revealed as of press time, football analysts believe it could be one of the weaker sides in the group, which makes Nigeria heavy favorites to secure another victory. However, Waldrum and his players are taking nothing for granted. “No team in WAFCON is to be underestimated. The game is evolving, and we know we have to earn every point, every win, with effort and discipline,” said vice-captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who has also had a standout tournament so far.
This year’s WAFCON is being closely watched not just by African fans but also international scouts and stakeholders in the global women’s football scene. Nigeria’s performance is under particular scrutiny, given the increasing number of Falcons plying their trade in top European leagues. From Atletico Madrid to Barcelona, Paris FC to Houston Dash, Nigerian players are now competing at the highest levels, and this tournament is seen as an opportunity for them to reinforce their reputations and secure future deals.
With just hours to go, anticipation continues to build. The streets of Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are dotted with vendors selling Falcons jerseys, vuvuzelas, and Nigerian flags. Local media houses have rolled out special coverage, and former players like Florence Omagbemi and Perpetua Nkwocha have been offering punditry and motivational commentary leading up to the game. It’s more than a football match—it’s a celebration of Nigerian excellence on the continental stage.
Tonight’s match will be broadcast live on various platforms, including NTA Sports, SuperSport, and online streaming services, allowing fans to tune in from every corner of the globe. Kickoff is at 8 PM Nigerian time, and fans are encouraged to wear green and white, support on social media, and stand behind the team as they look to continue their historic journey.
As the Super Falcons prepare to wrap up their group campaign, one thing is clear: this team means business. With their eyes firmly on the WAFCON trophy, tonight’s clash is not just another match—it’s a statement of intent. And if their performance so far is anything to go by, the rest of Africa should be watching with caution. The Queens of African Football are on the march again.