Super Falcons in second round? Sao Tome and Principe reportedly withdraw from 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations Qualifiers

The Super Falcons of Nigeria established themselves as a formidable team in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup before exiting the tournament after losing on a penalty shootout to England’s Lioness

Sao Tome and Principe's women's national team has reportedly withdrawn from the qualifying race for the 2024 Africa Women's Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Central African side was initially scheduled to face the 11-time AWCON champions in a first-round qualifying fixture slated for later this month.

Reports from Daily Posts indicate that the country's football authorities have communicated their decision to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

As a result of this withdrawal, the Nigerian women have automatically advanced to the second round without having to play any matches.

The Nigerian ladies demonstrated their strength in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, progressing unbeaten from the group stage rounds and holding England to a draw before exiting in a penalty shootout.

The Super Falcons will now await the winner of the tie between Cape Verde and Liberia in the second round of qualifiers. The victorious team from that contest will earn a spot in the 2024 WAFCON, which is set to be hosted by Morocco.

In the previous edition of the tournament, also hosted by Morocco, the Super Falcons finished in fourth place.

Now, they have another opportunity to showcase their talents and vie for the championship title in the upcoming competition.