Nigeria’s Super Falcons will be keeping a watchful eye on fierce rivals South Africa after the defending champions named a refreshed, youthful squad for next month’s 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to kick off in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
South Africa coach Dr Desiree Ellis has unveiled her 23-player roster with hints of a generational shift from the side that edged Nigeria en route to claiming their maiden WAFCON crown in 2022. With several new names and first-time call-ups, the Banyana Banyana are signalling both evolution and ambition.
In a significant development, star forward Thembi Kgatlana misses out due to injury. Her absence is a blow to the South Africans, but there’s no mistaking their intent — nine players from their 2022 title-winning squad have been dropped, including goalkeeper Casey Gordon and forward Nthabiseng Majiya, who have been placed on standby.
The South Africans will open their Group C campaign against Ghana on 7 July, followed by clashes with Tanzania (11 July) and Mali (14 July), before hoping to contest the final in Rabat on 26 July.
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From a Nigerian perspective, Ellis’ overhaul comes with a mixed bag of intrigue and caution. The Super Falcons, winners of nine of the last 12 WAFCON tournaments, are hungry for a record-extending 10th crown.
Their goalless draw against Portugal in Lisbon on Monday showed their readiness to reclaim continental dominance.
Yet South Africa’s recent form cannot be ignored — the Banyana Banyana are on a six-match winning streak, including a 2-0 victory over fellow WAFCON contenders Zambia earlier this month, a response to their COSAFA Cup final defeat in November 2024.
Both Nigeria and South Africa made history at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, reaching the knockout stages. The inevitable clash between the two African giants looms large and it promises fireworks.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.