After the Super Falcons’ disappointing exit from the Paris Olympics women’s football tournament, former Nigerian international Friday Ekpo has advised the team to focus on the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Nigeria’s Olympic campaign concluded with no victories, as they suffered losses to Brazil, Spain, and Japan in the group stage.
In light of this, Ekpo has encouraged the team to shift their attention away from the Olympics and look ahead to the upcoming WAFCON.
“After this tournament, I think the team needs better preparation and introduction of young players in the Super Falcons,” he said
Ekpo highlighted the need to focus on future goals, stating, “We should accept the reality that the team is out of the Olympic Games and focus on helping them achieve a better performance at the 2025 WAFCON.”
Despite the setback, Ekpo offered encouragement to the players, saying, “The players must come home with their heads held high.”
In the meantime, the Super Falcons have secured their place in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The eleven-time African champions advanced after a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory over Cape Verde in the final round of qualifiers.
The Falcons achieved qualification with a 2-1 win in the second leg, overcoming an early deficit. Esther Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade scored crucial goals to secure the win, adding to their impressive 5-0 victory in the first leg.
Nigeria has maintained its perfect record of participating in every WAFCON since the tournament’s inception in 1991. The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is set to be hosted by Morocco.
