William Troost-Ekong and Shehu Dikko have thrown their weight behind the Super Falcons as they prepare to launch their bid for a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco today, expressing confidence in the team’s pedigree and mission to reclaim continental dominance.

Speaking to PUNCH Sports Extra, Super Eagles captain, Troost-Ekong, expressed his strong belief in the team’s ability to deliver ahead of their Group B opener against Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday.

“I’m backing them all the way,” Troost-Ekong said.

“The Super Falcons have always been a powerhouse in African women’s football. At the last edition, they reached the semi-final and lost to Zambia in the third-place match.

“This time, I believe they can go all the way and lift their 10th continental title.”

He added that with their blend of experience and hunger, the Nigerian women remain well equipped to reclaim their crown.

“I have full faith in them,” he said.

“They’re strong, experienced, and they know what it takes to win. I’m looking forward to seeing them make history again.”

The sentiment was echoed by Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission, who underscored the Super Falcons’ status as favourites on the African stage, while urging the team to focus on one target at a time.

“Nigeria is always considered a favourite, right? Whenever we play in the WAFCON, the expectation is that we are the team to beat,” Dikko told PUNCH Sports Extra.

“Winning that title should be our focus. Once that is achieved, then we can take it step by step.”

Dikko, who recently reiterated the commission’s commitment to elite sport development, noted that lifting the WAFCON title remains a priority for Nigeria’s broader sporting goals.

“A trophy is always an objective for the Sports Commission,” he said.

“And hopefully, they will be able to achieve it.”


Nigeria’s campaign kicks off against Tunisia, a side they last met at the WAFCON in 2008 in a goalless group-stage draw.

The Super Falcons have a dominant historical record against North African opposition, scoring 25 goals and conceding just once in six previous WAFCON meetings.

The nine-time champions are unbeaten in open play against North African teams, with four wins and two draws. However, their only defeat to a North African nation came in the semi-finals of the 2022 edition, where hosts Morocco edged them on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Today’s clash will be Tunisia’s fifth WAFCON match against West African opponents. Their overall record stands at one win, two draws, and one loss, including a narrow 3-2 defeat to Ghana and a 4-1 win over Togo in the 2022 edition.