Former Nigeria international Rita Nwadike has thrown her full support behind the Super Falcons to retain their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown at this year’s tournament in Morocco, insisting the team has everything needed to extend their dominance on the continent.
Nwadike, who represented Nigeria at the 1995 and 1999 Women’s World Cups, praised the quality, experience and depth within the current squad, while urging the players to approach every match with the discipline and winning mentality that has made the Falcons Africa’s most successful women’s football team.
“The Super Falcons remain the biggest team in women’s football in Africa. They have quality players, experienced professionals and a good technical crew,” Nwadike said on the MTN Super Falcons Show. “I believe they can successfully defend the title if they stay focused and play as a team.”
The 51-year-old, who scored Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup goal in a 3-3 draw against Canada at Sweden 1995, also called on Nigerians to throw their weight behind the team throughout the tournament, stressing that prayers and national support will be vital as the Falcons chase an 11th continental crown.
“Representing Nigeria comes with great responsibility, but I know these girls understand what is at stake. They should believe in themselves, give everything on the pitch and make the country proud. Nigerians should continue to support and encourage them,” she added.
The Super Falcons will launch their title defence in Group C against Malawi on July 28, before facing Zambia on August 1 and Egypt four days later.
The tournament also serves as African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic spots and one additional team progressing through intercontinental play-offs.
Nigeria have been ever-present at the Women’s World Cup since the tournament’s inception in 1991, and Nwadike emphasised that wearing the green and white remains one of the greatest honours in football.
With a formidable squad and a record of continental supremacy, the Falcons are determined to prove once again why they remain Africa’s queens of football.
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