By Amaechi Agbo

African Champions, Super Falcons of Nigeria touch down in Casablanca, Morocco the host nation on Monday for the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON.

Nigeria, the most successful team in the Women’s AFCON have won the tournament a record nine times and are defending champions following their 4-3 penalty win against South Africa in December 2018 final in Ghana.

The contingent landed in Casablanca and moved to Morocco’s administrative capital, Rabat where the team will camp for seven days before their crunch opening match of Group C against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the same city on Monday, next week

The Nigerian contingent which comprises of 25 players, technical crew, backroom staff and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) management staff and as well as an Executive Committee member who will be the leader of delegation, departed through Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation and FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick has told the Super Falcons of Nigeria to bulldoze their way to a 10th African title when they participate in the 12th Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month.

Pinnick spoke on Sunday night while hosting the nine-time champions to a special dinner at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“There is not much for me tell you about the need to go all out there and conquer; it is something you are used to because you have the spirit, the energy and the aura of champions. You have won this trophy nine times out of 11 and you have to go for the 10th with equal passion and desire.

“Surely, there will be teams that would believe they can topple you from your throne; from your position as champions. I have no doubt that you have the capacity to deal with every opposition and emerge champions once more.”

Pinnick’s dinner guests included NFF Executive Committee Member and Chairman of the Nigeria Women Football League, Ms Aisha Falode; Head Coach Randy Waldrum and his assistants; 25 players and; Super Falcons’ backroom staff.

The Falcons will also play Botswana (Thursday, 7th July) and Burundi (Sunday, 10th July) in the group phase.

All four semi-finalists in Morocco will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next year, with the fifth-placed team handed an opportunity to also gain a place through a Playoff Tournament taking place early next year.