Francisca Ordega has expressed strong confidence in the Super Falcons' capability to win a record-extending tenth Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title at the upcoming tournament in Morocco.
The Al-Shabab of Saudi Arabia defender believes the Nigerian women's national team has what it takes to reclaim the continental crown they lost to South Africa's Banyana Banyana at the last edition, where they finished fourth.
"I think we want to win, nobody goes to battle with the intention of losing, everybody wants to win," Ordega declared in a video shared on the Super Falcons' official X account. "Other countries are going there to win, that should be at the back of our minds as well that this is what we want to do."
Ordega highlighted the importance of victory for the newer members of the squad who haven't yet experienced continental success with the team. "Some of the young girls in the team have not tasted victory before, so they don't know what it is like. I believe they have a lot of fight in them," she added.
Preparation Underway
Justine Madugu's side is currently preparing for the tournament with a friendly match against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon scheduled for Tuesday at the newly renovated MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
Several players including Rasheedat Ajibade, Ashleigh Alozie, and Rinsola Babajide have already arrived at camp for the friendly, which serves as crucial preparation for the continental showpiece.
"We lost the title to South Africa, but this time around we want the title back. It is important for the new players to have that feeling too," Ordega emphasized.
WAFCON 2024 Group Stage
The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group B of the WAFCON 2024 finals, where they will face Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. All their group stage matches will be played at the Larbi Zaouli stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has already released the match schedule for the tournament, with Nigeria aiming to bounce back from their disappointing showing at the previous edition.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has also reinstated the team's fitness coach, Karlsson, as part of efforts to ensure the team is in optimal condition for the championship.
