Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured top spot in Group B at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, after a hard-fought goalless draw against Algeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday night.
The match, which was the final group fixture for both teams, saw Nigeria dominate proceedings for long spells but fail to convert their chances, with the Algerian defense proving resilient and well-organized throughout.
Despite the stalemate, the Super Falcons concluded the group stage with seven points from three matches — two wins and one draw — enough to see them finish as Group B leaders. Algeria finished just behind them in second place with five points, thanks to a win and two draws.
The result means Nigeria will now face the Copper Queens of Zambia in the quarter-finals, while Algeria are set to clash with tournament hosts and North African rivals Morocco in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
During the match, Nigeria created several chances, particularly in the first half. Forwards Ifeoma Onumonu and Jennifer Echegini came close to breaking the deadlock but were either denied by the goalkeeper or missed narrowly. Despite enjoying superior ball possession and territorial advantage, head coach Justin Madugu’s side struggled to find the clinical touch in front of goal.
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The second half was less eventful, with both sides tightening up defensively. The Algerians, aware that a draw would be enough to see them through, focused on maintaining their shape and frustrating the Nigerian attack.
Elsewhere in Group B, Botswana earned their first win of the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Tunisia. However, the result was not enough to see them qualify for the knockout round.
Nigeria’s performance in the group stage has been solid, though questions remain about their finishing ability heading into the tougher knockout phase. Coach Madugu will be looking to sharpen the team’s attacking edge before their clash with Zambia — a side known for its pace and creativity.
Zambia, who finished second in their group, are expected to offer a sterner test for the Super Falcons. The two teams last met in the third-place match of the 2022 WAFCON, with Nigeria winning on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regulation time.
For Algeria, the upcoming quarter-final against Morocco will be more than just a football match — it’s a regional derby that brings added pressure and pride. Morocco will have home support on their side, but Algeria’s solid defensive showings suggest they will not be easy to break down.
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