Tunisia striker Mariem Houij has acknowledged the formidable pedigree of Nigeria’s Super Falcons ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) but remains confident in her team’s ability to challenge for a place in the final.
The highly anticipated tournament kicks off on Saturday, July 5 in Morocco, with Nigeria aiming for a record-extending 10th continental title. The Super Falcons have dominated the tournament since its inception in 1998, winning nine of the 12 editions held to date.
Drawn in Group B, Super Falcons of Nigeria will begin their title chase against the Eagles Carthage of Tunisia on Sunday, July 6 in Casablanca, with Botswana and Algeria also in the group.
Speaking to CAF’s official website, 30-year-old Houij admitted Nigeria’s impressive track record but emphasized her team’s preparations and growing confidence.
“Nigeria is the most decorated team in the WAFCON. In the last edition, they were eliminated in the semi-finals by the host nation, Morocco,” Houij said.
“We beat Botswana in a friendly last year in Tunis. As for Algeria, their playing style is similar to ours, and we’ve won both of our recent matches against them.
“That said, official matches are completely different from friendlies. Our coaching staff is analysing every opponent in detail to prepare us well.”
Houij, who made history at the 2022 WAFCON—also held in Morocco—by scoring the fastest goal in tournament history (17 seconds against Togo), believes Tunisia can reach new heights in this year’s edition.
“The ideal scenario would be reaching the final. We have a strong, long-standing group that has been reinforced with new players due to the postponement of the 2024 edition to 2025. We’re ready to take on the challenge and give Tunisia—and the entire continent—a memorable performance.”
The Super Falcons remain the tournament’s most successful team, having reached at least the semi-final in every edition. Only Equatorial Guinea (2008, 2012) and South Africa (2022) have interrupted Nigeria’s dominance by lifting the trophy themselves.
Aside from those three, Morocco, Ghana, and Cameroon are the only nations to have ever reached the final without winning the title.
As Tunisia aim for a historic run, all eyes will be on Casablanca this Sunday when they test their ambitions against the mighty Super Falcons.