Super Falcons plot Algerian ambush to warm up for WAFCON quarter-final
Nine-time champions Nigeria are set to face Algeria’s Lady Fennecs on Sunday in their final Group B tie, with eyes firmly on the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
With hosts Morocco and spirited Zambia looming as possible opponents, the Falcons aim to fine-tune their tactics while maintaining their unbeaten run in 2025.
The ghosts of the last tournament—where Nigeria fell to Morocco on penalties in the semis and lost 1–0 to Zambia in the third-place match—are still fresh.
Head coach Justine Madugu, part of the previous technical crew, is determined not to relive that experience.’One game at a time,’ he says. ‘We respect all but fear none.’
Algeria, buoyed by a narrow win over Botswana and a draw with Tunisia, sit just two points behind Nigeria. Their play hints at danger, especially with a possible quarter-final clash against any of South Africa, Mali, Tanzania, or Ghana—Group C remains tightly contested.
Sunday’s match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca rekindles memories of Nigeria’s twin victories over Algeria in friendlies last year, where Rasheedat Ajibade and Folashade Ijamilusi shone.
Deborah Abiodun is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, leaving room for tactical tweaks. Options include Esther Okoronkwo, lively and productive off the bench; the methodical Jennifer Echegini; or a reshuffled setup with Toni Payne as playmaker and Ajibade, Ordega, and Babajide leading the charge.
A win on Sunday secures top spot in Group B, sustains the Falcons’ red-hot form, and sets the stage for a thrilling quarter-final clash on Friday next week.
