Nigeria’s Super Falcons on alert as South Africa announce bold squad for WAFCON title defence

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.