As we count down to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, which will be held from Friday, 26 July, to Sunday, 11 August 2024, we can’t help but give an ode to Nigeria’s national female football team, the Super Falcons. Beyond all odds, they have qualified for the tournament after 16 years of no entry!
Ahead of the highly anticipated event, we spoke to a seasoned sports journalist at Fervora.NG, Emmanuel Faith, shared his insights on the team’s wins, losses, and most memorable moments at the Olympics.
A limited but rich history
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have carved out a memorable legacy at the Olympics despite limited appearances. They etched their names in Olympic history at the 2004 Games, where they scored a 1-0 victory over Japan. This electrifying match also marked their highest Olympic finish, reaching the quarterfinals.
Despite their dominance in Africa, winning 11 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations titles, the Super Falcons have only qualified for the Olympics once in the last 16 years. They will make their first Olympic appearance since 2008, aiming to replicate their past success at the 2024 Games.
Speaking on the team’s appearance, the football analyst Faith states, “The Super Falcons have been to the Olympics only once in the last 16 years. This is their first Olympic appearance since 2008, which is remarkable considering their dominance in Africa.”
Unforgettable moments and highlights
Beyond their 1-0 victory over Japan in 2004, the Super Falcons have had other memorable moments at the Olympics. In their first-ever Olympic appearance in 2000, the team displayed impressive offensive power, scoring in each game. Perpetua Nwokocha, a midfielder, scored all the goals. Despite losing in all three matches, the goals remain a significant achievement for the team’s first outing on the global stage.
Another highlight was the team’s performance against powerhouses like England at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they pushed the Lionesses to the brink. This demonstrated the Super Falcons’ quality and ability to compete with the world’s best teams.
Challenges and the need for support
The Super Falcons have faced significant challenges in their pursuit of Olympic and global success due to inadequate infrastructure and governance support. Some factors include:
Lack of dedicated training facilities
The team often has to share training facilities with male teams or rent makeshift spaces, hindering their ability to prepare adequately for competitions.
Inadequate equipment and resources
Outdated or non-existent equipment, such as goalposts, balls, and medical supplies, has hindered the team’s training and competition preparations.
Inconsistent funding
Irregular and insufficient funding from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and government bodies has led to cancelled training camps, delayed payments to players and staff, and a lack of resources for competitions.
Poor administrative support
Inefficient administrative processes, such as delayed visa applications and disorganised travel arrangements, can hinder the team’s ability to participate in competitions.
Lack of strategic planning
The absence of a long-term development plan and clear performance targets has hindered the team’s progress and success.
Limited access to medical care
Inadequate medical support can lead to untreated injuries, exacerbating existing health issues and compromising player safety.
Gender bias and discrimination
Women’s football in Nigeria still faces gender stereotypes, bias, and discrimination, limiting opportunities and resources for the Super Falcons.
How has this played out?
In 2019, the Super Falcons protested their treatment during the World Cup in France, citing inadequate accommodation, food, and transportation. The team had to cancel their Olympic qualifying campaign the following year due to funding issues. The NFF has also faced criticism in the past for prioritising the men’s team over the women’s team in terms of funding and resources.
The team’s lack of Olympic appearances and general challenges prove the need for increased support from the Nigerian government and football authorities. Faith argues that the Super Falcons deserve more recognition and support to reach their full potential on the global stage. “There’s been a lot of quality football in the past few years. Nigeria pushed England to the brink in the last World Cup,” he states.
As the Super Falcons prepare for their upcoming Olympic campaign, their story inspires aspiring young footballers in Nigeria and across Africa. With continued support and recognition, the team has the potential to reach even greater heights and inspire future generations of African women footballers.
