The real work begins as the Mares have learnt their 2024 WAFCON group stages opponents. The qualification phase long ended last December and the 2024 WAFCON was rescheduled to July 2025. In the tournament draw held last Friday, the Mares were pitted in Group B against West Africans, Nigeria and two North African opponents in Tunisia and Algeria.
Nigeria Rank: Number one in Africa and 36th in the World WAFCON appearances: 15 times The Super Falcons, as they are affectionately called, are the most successful team in the history of the WAFCON. Nigeria has won the tournament on 11 occasions making them the most successful team in the history of the tournament. Ahead of the start of the 2024 edition, Super Falcons are the early tournament favourites. The team has the highest number of players based abroad with the number at 12 in the latest squad. Previous WAFCON performance: It was a disappointing outing at the previous edition of the WAFCON. Nigeria failed to defend their title in 2022 after Morocco eliminated them in the semi-finals. This marked the first time in several years that Nigeria had not reached the final of the tournament. The 2022 edition is regarded as one of the worst in the team's history despite Nigeria finishing with a bronze medal. Previous encounters: Mares and Super Falcons met for the first time in the second group stage match of the 2022 WAFCON. Super Falcons emerged 2-0 victors as they booked a place in the knockout phase with a game to spare.
Tunisia
Rank: Number eight in Africa and 76th in the World WAFCON appearances: Two times From their outing in the 2022 WAFCON, Tunisia has become one of the fastest-developing women's national teams on the continent. Currently sitting inside the top 10 in Africa, Tunisia are a side to be worried about. The team has been building from their 2022 WAFCON quarterfinal finish, and from their recent run, they could make a step further in next year's edition. The team made its first appearance in 2008 and waited 14 years to reach the 2022 finals. Previous WAFCON performance: The team recorded its best performance at the WAFCON in 2022. Tunisia is seen to be on equal footing with the Mares as they are in their second appearance having reached the quarterfinals of the previous tournament. They were unfortunate to be knocked out of the World Cup qualification playoff round. Previous encounters: Tunisia and Botswana have faced each other once in the Tunis Women's Cup held in July this year. Tunisia won the tie 1-0 and the two teams will meet for the first time on the continental stage next July.
Algeria
Rank: Number 10 in Africa and 84th in the World WAFCON Appearances: Five times Algeria are returning to the continental showpiece after making it to the 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018 finals. The team failed to qualify for the 2022 finals but they are making a comeback next year. Despite making five appearances at the WAFCON finals, Algeria has never gone beyond the group stages. They are a team on a resurgence and could cause an upset in Morocco. Previous WAFCON performance: Algeria did not take part in the 2022 edition and did not make it out of the group stages in the 2018 edition. Previous encounters: There have been no meetings between Algeria and Mares. The two teams will face off for the first time at the 2024 WAFCON finals.
The Mares are the lowest-ranked team among its group-stage rivals. The team is also less experienced in the continental showpiece with a single appearance. Nigeria seem to be a clear favourite to top the group while Tunisia and Algeria, alongside the Mares, will battle for the second and remaining spot in a bid to advance into the knockout round. The Mares have since kick-started their final preparations for the continental showpiece with a trip to Morocco. The team played Morocco yesterday (Thursday) evening and will be in action against Mali on Tuesday.
