Continental powerhouse the Super Falcons of Nigeria have long been in the top echelon of African football with an impressive record of 11 triumphs in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
However, as the anticipation for the 2024 edition of the prestigious tournament builds, uncertainty looms over the staging of the event.
Traditionally a biennial event, the Women's Africa Cup of Nations is organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and showcases the talent and passion for the beautiful game across the continent.
Scheduled to be hosted by Morocco, the 15th edition of the tournament holds significant importance for women's football in Africa.
The Moroccans, eager to build on the success of hosting the previous edition in 2022, have been gearing up to welcome teams from across Africa.
However, the recent reports circulating in the football community suggest that the tournament may face delays or even cancellation, leaving fans and players alike in a state of uncertainty.
South Africa, the reigning champions, made history by clinching their first-ever Women's Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022. Their victory over hosts Morocco in the final marked a significant shift in the balance of power within African women's football.
Also, the game between Morocco and South Africa set a new record for attendance, with 50,000 fans in attendance.
The Super Falcons, accustomed to dominating the competition, faced a surprising setback in the 2022 edition, finishing in fourth place.
Despite their storied history and remarkable achievements in the tournament, including their record-breaking 11 titles, Nigeria's quest to reclaim their lost crown hangs in the balance.
WAFCON 2024 likely to suffer a postponement
The prospect of WAFCON 2024 not taking place this year has sent shockwaves through the football community. Reports from various sources, including former BBC sports reporter Osasu Obayiuwana, suggest that concerns over the tournament's feasibility have emerged from both CAF headquarters in Cairo and Moroccan authorities.
Obayiuwana's tweets about the situation have raised alarms among football enthusiasts, highlighting the lack of clarity from CAF president Patrice Motsepe regarding the tournament's scheduling despite 12 teams already securing qualification.
The potential postponement or cancellation of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations would undoubtedly be a significant blow to women's football development on the continent.
With the sport gaining momentum and popularity, especially following the success of recent editions, the absence of such a crucial tournament could hinder progress and stifle opportunities for players to showcase their talents.
Super Falcons amongst the qualified teams for WAFCON 2024 in Morocco
The final list of participants was confirmed for the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2024) in Morocco last December.
Eleven-time champions Nigeria and hosts Morocco lead an exciting field packed with leading continental heavyweights.
Joining them are reigning champions South Africa, three-time finalists Ghana are back after a six-year absence, North African powers Algeria and Tunisia alongside Mali.
DR Congo whose last participation dates back to 2012 join the party while Senegal, Zambia, Tanzania and Botswana complete the list.
After landing the hosting rights, Morocco now hope to seize their maiden WAFCON title at the fifth attempt.
Qualified Nations: Morocco (Hosts), Algeria, Botswana, DR Congo, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia and Zambia.
