The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has outlined his strategy to guide the Super Falcons in their quest to win the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and reclaim the prestigious title.
Nigeria will have the opportunity to take back the crown when the tournament kicks off in Morocco from July 5 to 26.
The Super Falcons have been placed in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana.
In an exclusive interview with NFF TV, Gusau expressed his determination to see the national team regain the WAFCON trophy, stressing that it rightfully belongs to Nigeria.
My ambition is to get our trophy back because for me it belongs to Nigeria, and that is why we are not leaving anything to chance,” he stated. “We will use every FIFA window to give them quality friendlies.
With the tournament still several months away, Gusau revealed the NFF’s preparations, including the utilization of two upcoming FIFA windows before WAFCON.
The goal is to ensure the Super Falcons are thoroughly prepared to take on the continent’s best.
One of the strategies being employed is the integration of young players from Nigeria’s local league, with the belief that their inclusion will bring a positive impact on the team.
We are looking to integrate young players from our local league, who we believe will bring positive impact to the team, Gusau explained.
To facilitate this, the NFF organized friendly matches against Algeria in Lagos and Ikenne, which allowed the coaching staff to blend local talent with international players.
The integration process yielded a positive outcome in a recent friendly against France, where Nigeria narrowly lost 2-1.
Gusau emphasized that the NFF is working tirelessly to ensure that the Super Falcons are not overly reliant on foreign-based players, aiming for a well-rounded squad that combines the best talent from both local and international ranks.
We will not rest, we will continue to do what is necessary to not rely only on foreign players,” Gusau added, signaling a commitment to building a balanced and formidable squad for the challenge ahead.
With the NFF’s ambitious plans in place and strong support for the team, the Super Falcons are determined to make a statement and return to their position as African champions.
