The A fresh injection of young talent, some homegrown and others drawn Super Falcons of Nigeria have once again caught the attention of the continent at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON 2025 in Morocco, but this time, it’s not just their experience and legacy doing the talking, it’s the new faces making waves in the squad that are stealing the show from the diaspora, is giving the nine-time African champions renewed energy and ambition as they push for a historic 10th continental title.
Among the emerging stars is Edna Imade, a Netherlands-born forward currently playing her club football in Spain with Granada. Her arrival in the team has turned heads, as she came into the tournament fresh from scoring 16 goals in 29 league appearances, the second-highest tally in the Spanish Liga F. Imade’s decision to commit to Nigeria, despite being eligible to represent Spain and Italy, has been widely praised by fans and analysts alike. She brings a flair and ruthlessness in front of goal that the Falcons have been missing in recent times.
Another standout is Joy Omewa, who plies her trade in Denmark with Fortuna Hjørring. Her blistering form, 22 goals and 4 assists in 23 matches, earned her the Player of the Season Award and a call-up to the national team. With a combination of strength, aerial dominance, and killer instinct inside the box, Omewa has already become a key figure in Nigeria’s attacking setup at the tournament.
Esther Okoronkwo has also been one of the revelations of the competition. Based in Canada’s Northern Super League, she made an instant impression in the early stages of WAFCON 2025, scoring three goals in four appearances, including a stunning strike that has been nominated for Goal of the Tournament. Her performance has sparked excitement among fans who see in her a successor to Nigeria’s long line of elite strikers.
Perhaps the most unexpected addition is 21-year-old Chioma Okafor, a college student-athlete from the University of Connecticut. She had never played professional football or featured for the national team before now, but her raw pace, energy, and hunger earned her a surprise invitation by coach Justin Madugu. While some questioned her inclusion at first, Okafor has shown flashes of brilliance, winning the admiration of many with her determination and courage on the pitch.
In midfield, Deborah Abiodun and Jennifer Echegini have brought fresh legs and intelligence. Abiodun, who now plays in Canada with Dallas Trinity, has injected energy and pressing power into the midfield, disrupting opponents and linking play with flair. Echegini, on the other hand, offers class and composure. Her time at Paris Saint-Germain is evident in her movement and ball control, giving the team a calm presence when transitioning from defense to attack.
Defensively, the return of Ashleigh Plumptre from injury has provided a massive boost. The England-born defender had an outstanding season with Al-Ittihad, where she scored five goals and made six assists, impressive numbers for a centre-back. Her composure, leadership, and ability to read the game have helped stabilize the Falcons’ backline. Alongside her is young Shukurat Oladipo, recently signed by Serie A giants AS Roma, making her first major tournament appearance. She has been solid in her few outings, showing great promise.
Home-based players like Miracle Usani of Edo Queens and Sikiratu Isah of Nasarawa Amazons have also added depth and balance to the team. Though not as well-known as their foreign-based counterparts, they have embraced the challenge, representing the NPFL with pride and tenacity.
So far, the Super Falcons have performed admirably in the group stage, navigating a tricky Group B that includes Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. With two wins and a draw, they have booked a place in the quarter-finals, drawing plaudits not only for their results but also for the fluidity and freshness in their play. The team has shown more attacking bite, better pressing, and improved link-up play compared to previous editions.
Fans and pundits alike have been singing the praises of the new talents. Social media is awash with posts lauding the “new generation” of Super Falcons, with many suggesting the team now has a healthy blend of youth and experience. “This is the most exciting Super Falcons squad I’ve seen in a while,” tweeted one fan after the 3–1 win over Tunisia. Another said, “Edna Imade is the real deal. Nigeria must do everything to keep her happy and motivated.”
Coach Madugu has also been commended for his bravery in shaking things up and giving opportunities to fresh legs. “We cannot continue relying only on veterans,” he said after the team’s latest win. “These girls are hungry, they are talented, and they are proving that they belong here.”
With the knockout stages ahead and tougher challenges looming, all eyes will be on how these new faces handle the pressure. But one thing is clear, the Super Falcons are evolving, and the future looks bright with this new crop of players leading the way.
By Benprince Ezeh
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