As the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) officially kicks off in Morocco, Evangelist Moses Bako, one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in women’s football, has called on the Super Falcons to rise to the occasion and bring home their tenth continental title.
Bako, known for his unwavering commitment to promoting female football development in Nigeria, shared his expectations in an exclusive interview with Awijare Sports. He opened up about Nigeria’s WAFCON campaign, the controversies surrounding the squad list, and the state of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL).
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“We Must Bring the Trophy Home
When asked about his expectations for the Super Falcons, Bako expressed firm belief in the team’s capability to go all the way:
“I expect the Super Falcons to showcase their exceptional skills, teamwork, and determination. They must make Nigeria proud by winning this WAFCON title,” he said.
Squad Selection: “Coaches Made Informed Choices”
On the squad selection debates that have trailed the team’s preparation, Bako refused to join the criticism bandwagon:
“While opinions may differ, I believe the coaching staff made informed decisions based on current performance,” he explained.
However, he admitted that he would have liked to see more space for rising stars like Gift Monday, who he believes deserves more international exposure.
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NWFL Representation in Super Falcons: Still a Work in Progress
Bako, a long-time follower of the NWFL, believes the domestic league was only modestly represented in the current Super Falcons squad.
“The NWFL is full of talented players, but the representation could be better. Many of those selected may be replacement options for older players who may not return after WAFCON 2025,” he noted.
When pressed on which NWFL talents deserved a spot on the team to Morocco, Bako mentioned Blessing Ilievieda and Emem Essien, two players he feels could have made an impact on the continental stage.
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On the Biggest Threats to Nigeria’s WAFCON Ambitions
Bako is under no illusion that Nigeria’s path to a tenth title will be easy. He listed South Africa, Zambia, and Morocco as the Super Falcons’ most likely threats.
“There are no underdogs anymore in women’s football. South Africa is always strong, Zambia is improving fast, and Morocco will have the advantage of being hosts,” he warned.
NWFL Board Exit and the Path Forward
Reacting to the decision of the NWFL board to exit at the end of their term even though the season is inconclusive as the Championship is yet to be played, Bako was philosophical:
“It’s acceptable; their tenure had ended. The delayed start of the league made it difficult to finish everything on time. If the season had started earlier, we might not be in this situation.”
While he reserved full judgment on the board’s performance, stating, “Let’s leave that for another day,” Moses Bako emphasized that selecting the next board members must be a thoughtful process.
