In football, some fixtures are more than just friendlies, especially when Nigeria meet Ghana.
And when the Super Falcons step on the pitch against the Black Queens, there’s rarely a dull moment.
On the eve of the long-awaited 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria sent out a powerful message with a confident 3-1 win over their West African neighbours in a fiery, high-tempo encounter.
With goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo, Asisat Oshoala, and Rasheedat Ajibade, the Falcons showed their depth, experience, and attacking flair.
Ghana, in fairness, played their part and proved they are no longer the soft touch of recent years, but Nigeria’s class and structure were ultimately too much.
Here are five key takeaways from the Super Falcons’ final dress rehearsal before WAFCON kicks off in Morocco.
1. Asisat Oshoala’s experience could be Nigeria’s trump card
She may no longer have the blistering pace or ruthless edge that defined her early career, but Asisat Oshoala’s importance to this Super Falcons team remains undiminished.
Back in the squad and back on the scoresheet, her coolly-taken penalty just before half-time wasn’t just a confidence booster — it was a reminder of her value in crunch moments.
Oshoala brings not just goals, but calm under pressure and leadership in the final third. If Nigeria are to go deep at WAFCON, they will need her composure and ability to deliver when it matters most.
2. Rasheedat Ajibade is the heartbeat of this Super Falcons
What Oshoala brings in experience, Rasheedat Ajibade delivers in dynamism, flair, and sheer game-winning brilliance.
Her goal early in the second half — a sharp finish full of intent — was her third in two matches, following a brace against Cameroon in Abeokuta.
More than just goals, Ajibade dictates tempo, links midfield to attack, and drives forward with purpose. She is the energy Nigeria thrives on. If she stays fit and in form, Nigeria’s WAFCON hopes skyrocket.
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3. Don’t sleep on Ghana — the Black Queens are back
It’s been seven long years since Ghana last featured at WAFCON, but this new-look side, full of hungry, young players, is beginning to find its rhythm again.
They stood toe-to-toe with Nigeria for large spells, and even had the ball in the net before the referee ruled Evelyn Badu offside.
Alice Kusi’s late penalty was a fair reward for their positive approach. Under the radar they may be, but the Black Queens could spring a few surprises in Morocco.
4. Nigeria finally have a functional midfield again
For too long, Nigeria’s midfield has lacked cohesion — a space where the ball was often lost rather than controlled. But against Ghana, there were real signs of improvement.
The combination of Deborah Abiodun’s intelligence, Halimatu Ayinde’s bite, and Rasheedat Ajibade's guile gave the Falcons structure and shape. The ball moved with purpose, transitions were smoother, and possession wasn’t squandered needlessly.
It’s a subtle but significant shift. With that kind of midfield balance, Nigeria can manage games better — and that might be the difference in the knockout rounds.
5. The Super Falcons look like clear title favourites
Nigeria’s form since their disappointing fourth-place finish in 2022 speaks volumes.
They have beaten Ghana, Cameroon (two times), Algeria, and have earned a draw and a win against reigning champions South Africa. The nine-time WAFCON winners are without a defeat against African opposition in three years.
This is a team with depth, balance, and belief. With Oshoala, Ajibade, Ihezuo, and a backline growing in confidence, the Super Falcons will arrive in Morocco with one clear mission: reclaiming their crown.
