Whatever the outcome of the Women’s African Cup of Nations (Wafcon) final on Saturday in which Nigeria faces Morocco, the days of the west African nation’s sole dominance of women’s football in Africa has ended.
Nigeria’s return to the pinnacle of the important Africa-wide tournament should not be read as a continuation of the country’s dominance on the field. Yes, Nigeria has now won Wafcon nine times in 12 competitions. As it guns for its 10th championship, the Super Falcons have tagged their attempt as #Mission X on social media.
Whether the mission is successful or not, the undercurrent storyline at this year’s Wafcon in Morocco is the increasing improvement of women’s football all around the continent. Unlike the previous years of Nigeria’s triumphs, this year featured numerous challenges to its usual domination.
