As they prepare for tomorrow’s final match of the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against hosts Morocco, Nigeria’s Super Falcons have emphasised their focus on winning the trophy, dismissing any external pressure.
“We’re not concerned about the pressure,” stated striker Esther Okoronkwo, who has become a key player for Nigeria during the tournament, in an interview with ESPN. “People will talk; there’s always chatter from the outside, but we are not focused on that. Our priority is winning the cup and bringing it back to Nigeria. That’s all that matters to us.”
“The cup is our ultimate goal,” she continued. “That has motivated us from day one and will always be our motivation – to win it.”
In addition to the honour of securing their tenth title, a victory on Saturday would also prevent Nigeria from making history as the first team to go two consecutive tournaments without winning the crown, a scenario that would have been unimaginable until recent years.
“I always knew we would come back strong,” Okoronkwo asserted confidently. “We are the giants of Africa for a reason, and it’s only a matter of time.”
“We weren’t stressed; we were simply trying to find the strength and composure to return, and we knew we would find it.”
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was part of the squad that lifted the trophy in 2018, expressed that winning in 2025 would help alleviate the disappointment of their semi-final loss to Morocco in Rabat during the last tournament.
“It’s an emotional journey for me,” she shared with ESPN. “Leading this incredible team to the final of the WAFCON is no small feat.”
“The last time we triumphed was in 2018, and we have collectively aimed to reach the final again this year. I hope we can maintain our energy leading into the final match.”
“With just one match remaining, we will certainly give our best, as always, for Nigeria and trust that our supporters will continue to back us.”
Jennifer Echegini of Paris Saint-Germain, who was not part of the previous WAFCON squad, does not carry the burden of that failure into Saturday’s final.
“I often get asked about the pressure of winning the title,” she remarked, “but I don’t feel it as much.”
“We have experienced moments like this before, perhaps not exactly like this, but we are all professionals, and for many of us, this is our first final. We are blocking out the external noise.”
“We’re staying off social media and concentrating on ourselves, surrounding ourselves with positive energy.”
With discussions of ‘Mission X’ amplifying the excitement surrounding this significant achievement and expectations at an all-time high following the 5-0 victory over Zambia and a late 2-1 win against reigning champions South Africa, the prospect of defeating Morocco on Saturday has taken on monumental significance.
A win would enshrine this Falcons team alongside their illustrious predecessors, while a defeat would deflate a nation that has passionately rallied behind Mudugu’s Decima Dream.
