Former Super Falcons star Stella Mbachu has dismissed concerns over the strength of Nigeria’s opponents in their group at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, insisting that none of Malawi, Zambia or Egypt pose a serious threat to the Super Falcons.
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Speaking in a voice interview monitored by Sports247, Mbachu expressed confidence in Nigeria’s pedigree, stating that while she respects the other teams in the group, she does not see any of them as strong enough to trouble the nine-time African champions.
“I don’t see any group here because they are not strong,” Mbachu said. “Not that I’m not giving them their respect, I give them their respect, but I don’t see any of those countries because they are not strong for us. They are not sleepless nights.”
The former Super Falcons midfielder reserved particular attention for Egypt, whom she described as inconsistent despite their history in the competition.
“It’s only Egypt that I know,” she added. “They are off and on. I can remember 1998, Egypt participated, but looking at that country, they are not too on. When they come, they go back. When they come, they go back.”
Mbachu’s comments reflect her belief that Nigeria’s experience, depth, and pedigree at the continental level should see the Super Falcons navigate the group stage without major difficulty, provided they maintain focus and discipline.
The Super Falcons head into the tournament as one of the favourites to lift the title once again, having dominated African women’s football for decades. However, recent improvements across the continent have led to increased competition, with teams like Zambia emerging as strong contenders in recent years.
Despite this, Mbachu remains confident that Nigeria’s group opponents lack the consistency and sustained performance needed to seriously challenge the Falcons’ dominance.
Nigeria will begin their WAFCON campaign in Morocco aiming to reaffirm their status as Africa’s most successful women’s national team and push for another continental crown
