Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has declared that the Super Falcons remain the team to beat in African women's football ahead of the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
Last year, the Super Falcons clinched a record-extending tenth Women's Africa Cup of Nations title after producing a stunning comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final, having trailed by two goals.
Ahead of this year's tournament in Morocco, Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu can still rely on a wealth of experience within his squad, with key players such as Chiamaka Nnadozie, Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Jennifer Echegini, Asisat Oshoala, Deborah Abiodun, Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo expected to play leading roles.
Ikpeba expressed confidence in the quality and pedigree of the reigning African champions despite competition from other countries on the continent.
Speaking on SuperSport's Monday Night Football programme monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com: Ikpeba said: "We are champions, we are the team to beat, and we are dominant in female football in Africa..
"South Africa has come of age, Morocco is getting closer, and Cameroon and Zambia are there too."
Ikpeba defended the Nigeria Football Federation over concerns surrounding the team's preparations, insisting that the federation is making the right decisions to ensure the Super Falcons are ready to defend their continental crown.
"Cape Verde pulled out some months ago. The disruption of the Wafcon created some problems for the girls, as they were not having friendly matches.
"The NFF is clever enough; the Super Falcons are having two friendly matches (against Senegal) in Remo within three days. It is good to see our girls come back home and play friendly matches."
Ikpeba highlighted Nigeria’s depth of talent, pointing to the large number of Super Falcons players plying their trade across Europe and the United States as a major advantage over other African nations.
"At the end of the day, our girls are everywhere in Europe and America. Not every African country has the pedigree of having their girls play abroad.
"Nigeria is spoilt for choice with those girls who are spread around the world."
Ikeba concluded by reiterating his faith in the NFF and the Super Falcons’ ability to successfully defend their title.
"We are always the team to beat, and kudos to the NFF. I said it some months ago: it was never intentional. They will do what is right for our girls to go out there and defend their title."
Nigeria will face Zambia, Egypt and Malawi in Group C of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. which doubles as the African qualifiers for the 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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