As the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) heats up in Morocco, all eyes are on the undisputed queens of African football, the Nigerian Super Falcons. With a record nine (some argue eleven) WAFCON titles to their name, Nigeria enters every tournament as a favorite, and this edition is no different. Having fallen short in 2022, the Falcons are on a mission to reclaim their continental crown. But what are their chances against a rapidly evolving landscape of African women's football?

A Legacy of Dominance and a Hunger for More

Nigeria's history in WAFCON is unparalleled. They've won every final they've reached, demonstrating a formidable winning mentality. This inherent belief in their ability to conquer Africa is a significant psychological advantage. The current squad, under coach Justine Madugu, boasts a potent blend of experienced stalwarts and exciting young talents.

Players like six-time African Women's Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Chiamaka Nnadozie provide the star power and big-game experience crucial for tournament success. The return of Ashleigh Plumptre adds significant strength to the defense, while emerging talents like Jennifer Echegini and Deborah Abiodun bring fresh energy and skill.

Current Form: A Statement of Intent

The Super Falcons have shown impressive form in the ongoing WAFCON 2025. They comfortably topped their group, maintaining a 100% clean sheet record in the group stage with a 3-0 win over Tunisia, a 1-0 victory against Botswana, and a goalless draw with Algeria. Their defensive solidity has been a standout feature, and they've demonstrated a clinical edge in attack, exemplified by their recent dominant 5-0 thrashing of Zambia in the quarter-finals.

This convincing victory over a strong Zambian side, who had previously beaten them in the 2022 third-place playoff, sends a clear message to their rivals.

Potential Rivals and Head-to-Head Analysis

While Nigeria remains a powerhouse, the gap in African women's football is undoubtedly narrowing. Nations like defending champions South Africa, hosts Morocco, and Zambia have made significant strides, investing in their women's programs and developing formidable teams.

The Super Falcons will need to maintain their defensive discipline throughout the knockout stages. While their attack has been potent, they will face tougher opposition as they progress. The ability to convert chances in high-pressure situations will be paramount. Injuries and fatigue, especially in a demanding tournament format, could also play a role.

However, Nigeria's squad depth, tactical flexibility, and winning mentality provide a strong foundation. The experience of their core players in major tournaments, coupled with the exuberance of their young talent, creates a balanced and formidable team.

While Nigeria is undoubtedly a force, the WAFCON 2025 features several strong contenders capable of challenging their dominance.

Semi-Final Stage

As the Super Falcons continues their strong run, their potential semi-final opponents could include teams like Morocco (the hosts) .

Against Algeria: If Nigeria were to face Algeria in a semi-final, Nigeria would still be the clear favorite going by their attacking talent, with players like Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo, who are vastly superior when compared to their Algerian counterparts.

Notwithstanding, the biggest test for Nigeria would be their ability to effectively break down Algeria's likely "low block" defensive setup.

In the group stage, Algeria succeeded in frustrating the Falcons. Nigeria would need to show more creativity, precision in their passing, and perhaps exploit set-pieces more effectively.

Above all, the 5-0 thrashing of Zambia by Nigeria ati the Quarter Final stage of the competition demonstrates their ability to break down defenses when they are clinical.

Against South Africa: This is the most anticipated clash in African women's football. South Africa won the last WAFCON title in 2022, defeating Nigeria in the group stage (though Nigeria was still crowned champion after winning all other matches and South Africa won the final against Morocco). The head-to-head record between these two rivals is historically tight.

While Nigeria has generally held the upper hand in the past, South Africa has closed the gap significantly. Recent encounters have been fiercely contested, with South Africa often proving to be a formidable adversary. Banyana Banyana possess a strong collective, good tactical organization, and players capable of moments of brilliance. A final against South Africa would be a true test of Nigeria's current supremacy and their ability to reclaim the continental crown.

The Nigerian Super Falcons undoubtedly possess the talent, experience, and squad depth to lift the WAFCON 2025 trophy. The likes of Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Chiamaka Nnadozie provide a world-class foundation, supported by emerging talents and solid defenders. Their recent dominant performances indicate a team in good form and with strong momentum.

Final Stage:

Should the Super Falcons reach the final, their most likely opponent would be the defending champions, South Africa's Banyana Banyana, or potentially Morocco.

Against Morocco: The Atlas Lionesses, playing on home soil, have a significant advantage. They have shown considerable improvement in recent years, reaching the 2022 WAFCON final and impressing at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Their captain, Ghizlane Chebbak, is a prolific goalscorer and a strong leader.

While a direct head-to-head record against Morocco isn't extensively documented in recent years for WAFCON, the home crowd and their tactical discipline could make this a tough encounter. Nigeria will need to leverage their experience and composure to counter the passionate home support and Morocco's organized defense

Against Ghana: The Black Queens of Ghana are a historically strong side in African women's football, though they haven't won a WAFCON title. They have the capability to cause an upset on their day. While Nigeria generally has a good record against Ghana, a semi final match would always be a high-stakes affair where past records matter less than current form and mental fortitude.

To secure their tenth WAFCON title, the Super Falcons will need to maintain their defensive discipline, exploit their attacking prowess, and demonstrate strong tactical awareness and mental resilience, particularly in the high-pressure knockout stages. If they can bring their A-game consistently and manage the challenges posed by their strong rivals, the Super Falcons have an excellent chance to reclaim their throne as the undisputed queens of African football.