The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, but their top stars are noticeably absent from the tournament’s leaderboards. Despite their good results, the team’s performances have not been reflected in the statistics, with none of their key players featuring prominently in the major statistical categories.
The team’s captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, is one of the few players who has made an impact, leading the chart for chances created with 10 to her name. However, other top players like Asisat Oshoala, who is currently sidelined with an injury, have not had the same level of influence on the game. Oshoala had scored in the opening game against Tunisia but has yet to make a strong impact in the subsequent matches.
In terms of goals scored, Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye and Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak are joint top scorers with four goals each, followed closely by Zambia’s Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda with three goals each. Nigeria’s Chinwendu Ihezuo has scored two goals, but it’s not enough to place her among the top scorers.
The team’s lack of presence in key statistical categories, such as clearances, interceptions, and shots on goal, raises concerns about their defensive solidity and ability to create scoring opportunities. Zambia’s Lushomo Mweemba tops the clearances chart with 29, while Rania Aouina leads in interceptions with seven.
Francisca Ordega is one of the few Nigerian players who has made an impact in a specific category, delivering 14 crosses into the opposition box, tying with Morocco’s Hanane Ait El Haj. However, the team’s inability to convert these chances into goals has been a major concern.
As the tournament moves into the quarter-finals, Nigerian fans will hope that their stars begin to shine, and the team can reclaim the WAFCON crown they lost seven years ago. The team’s experience and quality should give them an edge, but they need to improve their performances and statistics if they want to make a deep run in the tournament.
