The nine-time Total Energies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions have always been dominant in the competition over the years. Nigeria’s prowess and fearless attitude have always set them apart from the other countries in the tournament, to give themselves an upper hand, even before the contest begins.
The Randy Waldrum-led side had reasonably the most difficult qualifiers for the tournament taking place in Morocco. The Falcons met with sides in the top five of the continental ranking to book a place in the finals. Ghana was first on the list, they beat them 2-1 on aggregate in the first round. The Ivory Coast were second to go with a 3-0 aggregate loss.
Both these qualifying matches meant the Falcons had to work and prepare adequately for the tournament in which they are gunning for their fourth consecutive win to make their 10th title. Equatorial Guinea is the only other country to have won the tournament.
Having several players plying their trade in competitive leagues in Europe and the Americas is another reason that gave the team an edge over the years. The 2022 squad is no different. Out of the 24-player squad, only two players are based in Nigeria while the rest are scattered over the world, mostly in Europe.
The four-time African Women's Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, is leading the pack and her top goal scorer accolade in the Primera Division Women for Barcelona Femení , first African woman to do so and second African after Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o, makes her one of the most prolific strikers in the competition. This is her fifth appearance in the competition.
Another Spanish-based player, Rasheedat Ajibade, who plays in the colours of Atletico Madrid will also be one to look out for.
The experience of Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, captain Onome Ebi, Francisca Ordega, and Tochukwu Oluehi will be key in helping the team go over the line and all the way to the finals of the competition. The skipper has four Women’s Afcon titles under her belt and, having played in the Fifa Women’s World Cup five times offers her knowledge to properly lead the team to the next title.