Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board member Aisha Falode has urged the Super Falcons to embrace change ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), warning that Nigeria can no longer rely on its illustrious history to remain the dominant force in African women’s football.
Speaking at the FIFA/NFF Capacity-Building Workshop for Women Football Administrators in Abuja, Falode stressed that women’s football across the continent has evolved rapidly, with several nations making significant investments in player development, coaching and infrastructure.
With the Super Falcons chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, she believes Nigeria’s biggest challenge is no longer a lack of talent but its ability to keep pace with the remarkable progress of its continental rivals.
“The gap is closing. If we don’t wake up, we will become yesterday’s heroes,” Falode warned.
The veteran sports administrator noted that sustained planning, increased investment and well-structured development programmes have helped many African nations narrow the gap on Nigeria, making every major tournament more competitive than ever before.
She called on football authorities and stakeholders to adopt a unified long-term strategy that prioritises continued growth rather than relying on past achievements.
“Women’s football is growing globally, and Nigeria must grow with it. We need a coordinated national direction if we want to remain at the top,” she added.
Nigeria remains the most successful nation in the history of the competition with a record 10 WAFCON titles, but recent tournaments have highlighted the rapid rise of countries such as South Africa, Morocco and Zambia, all of whom have emerged as genuine contenders.
The growth of professionally managed domestic leagues, increased investment in youth development and greater opportunities for female players across Africa have transformed the competitive landscape, leaving little room for complacency.
Despite the growing competition, Falode believes Nigeria still possesses the talent, experience and footballing pedigree to remain the continent’s benchmark—provided administrators, coaches and players continue to embrace innovation, strategic planning and sustained investment.
