What Eric Chelle said about Super Falcons’ record-breaking WAFCON win as Nigeria eye CHAN glory

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has showered praise on the Super Falcons and their head coach Justin Madugu after Nigeria’s thrilling victory over Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Falcons pulled off a stunning 3-2 comeback against the tournament hosts at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, securing a record-extending 10th continental title.

It’s a historic feat not only in Africa but across the globe. No other women's national team in the world has reached this milestone.

The United States and China, with nine continental titles each, now trail behind Nigeria.

WAFCON 2024 win: What Eric Chelle said

“I want to congratulate the coach, it was a great tournament, I’m so proud of you and your technical staff. You deserve this trophy. I’m so happy for you and your family,” former Mali national team head coach Chelle said.

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Under Madugu’s leadership, the Super Falcons stormed through the competition with a commanding presence.

Their title run saw them dismantle Zambia (ranked 5th in Africa) 5-0 in the quarterfinals, edge South Africa (ranked 2nd) 2-1 in the semifinals, and then come from two goals down to defeat 3rd-ranked Morocco in front of a fiery home crowd.

“I want to congratulate the best team in Africa, the Super Falcons. You deserve this trophy. It was not easy because you faced Morocco in Morocco and you did it,” Eric Chelle added. “I think the future of the Super Falcons will be great.”

The Super Eagles boss was quick to point out that such resilience and grit could inspire future generations, not just in women’s football, but across the national teams.

As Eric Chelle praised Nigeria’s queens of African football, he also turned his attention to the challenge ahead. He will lead the Super Eagles B team into the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which begins August 2 in East Africa — co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The CHAN, reserved for players in domestic leagues, remains a title Nigeria has never won. Their best effort came in 2018 when they finished as runners-up. Chelle will be hoping to rewrite that chapter.

Eric Chelle’s side will face Senegal and Sudan at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar before concluding their group stage journey with a decisive clash against Congo in Dar es Salaam’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Super Eagles B's opening match against defending champions Senegal is on Tuesday, August 5.