As Nigeria’s Super Falcons return to Morocco for the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), their mission is clear: reclaim the continental crown and secure a record-extending 10th title.

But the road to glory is filled with significant hurdles that could test the depth, cohesion and mental toughness of Africa’s most successful women’s football team.

With 9 WAFCON titles, 48 wins in 61 matches and decades-long dominance that began with the inaugural tournament in 1991, the Super Falcons have set a gold standard in African women’s football. However, recent results suggest that the gap between Nigeria and the rest of the continent is rapidly shrinking.

It would be noted that the team won the lone ticket granted Africa for the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in 1991 (China) and 1995 (Sweden), but there was no tournament-format Africa Cup of Nations competition in those years.

At the 2022 edition, Nigeria fell short, losing three matches, including group stage defeat to eventual champions, South Africa, a semi-final heartbreak against hosts, Morocco, and the third-place match to Zambia. That fourth-place finish equalled their worst-ever WAFCON performance and underscored how much the playing field has levelled.

Interim head coach, Justin Madugu, who stepped in after Nigeria’s underwhelming Olympic qualifying campaign, leads a squad described as ready.

“Looking at the potential that abounds in the country, I can tell you that we are ready. Our objective is to win the trophy,” Madugu told BBC Sport Africa.

While the experiences of stars like Asisat Oshoala, Francisca Ordega and goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie offer a strong foundation, nearly half of the players from the last tournament are absent, including former captain, Desire Oparanozie.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, one of the joint top scorers at the last WAFCON, admits that the team hasn’t had enough time to gel.

“Despite the talents in our team, we haven’t had much time to bond. The little time we have now, we hope we can pull out something,” she told BBC Sports.

Chiamaka Nnadozie, Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper and breakout star of that World Cup, described the mental toll of constantly having to fight on two fronts. “It is left to us to do what we know how to do best,” said the 24-year-old, who recently signed for Brighton after her exit from a French club, Paris FC.

“We will go to Morocco to work hard and try to bring back the trophy to Nigeria.”

Michelle Alozie, who plays for Houston Dash in the USA’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), shares Nnadozie’s outlook thus: “Adversity makes us stronger, brings us closer together and helps us fight for each other on and off the field.

“Obviously, we were really disappointed in the last WAFCON and we want to do the best for the team and our country,” the 28-year-old forward said.

Nigeria will face Tunisia, Botswana and Algeria in the group stage. Though manageable on paper, these fixtures can’t be taken lightly in an era where countries like South Africa, Morocco, Ghana and Zambia are investing aggressively in women’s football and producing competitive sides.

Squad transition is another concern. Veterans are nearing the twilight of their careers while younger players are still adjusting to international demands. Injuries or lack of match fitness could affect team chemistry at critical moments.

Tactically, the Falcons need to show more versatility. While former coach, Randy Waldrum led a solid 2023 World Cup campaign, questions remain about the team’s ability to adapt to the varied styles of modern African football.

Off the pitch, lingering issues such as delayed payments, inconsistent training camps and administrative shortcomings continue to cast shadows over Nigeria’s preparations — a recurring theme in Falcons’ history.

The “Mission X” campaign is not just about adding another trophy but about reasserting their dominance in a more competitive African landscape.

Speaking recently from the United States of America, NFF general secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said Africa needed to feel the energy of the team during the tournament with the launch of Mission X

“The Super Falcons remain the most decorated national team in African football. We are proud of what they have achieved and what they intend to achieve in Morocco.

“We want the Super Falcons to feel the energy of our football-passionate fans everywhere they go, from Abuja to Casablanca, where they will play their group stage matches, and at any other venue they have to play their knockout games in Morocco,” he said.

To succeed, Nigeria will need more than talents. They must dig deep, stay united and channel their legacy into a focused and resilient performance. Anything short of that, their quest for a historic 10th title could end in disappointment (Weekend Trust)