Jennifer Echegini eager for WAFCON debut with Super Falcons
- Adaramola Yemiblak
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Nigeria women's national team (Super Falcons) and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jennifer Echegini is looking forward to her first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament.
Echegini, who received her first call-up for the Super Falcons in March 2023 for friendly matches against Haiti and New Zealand, scored her first international goal for Nigeria in a 3-0 victory against New Zealand on April 11, 2023, in her debut match.
The Paris Saint-Germain star was then named in Nigeria’s squad to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup which was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
While speaking with CAF Online, the former Juventus player said she has dreamt about stepping onto the pitch in Morocco, as the atmosphere is different.
“It’s very special. I’ve been in major international competitions, but I haven’t played in a WAFCON yet. This will be my first time, and I’m very excited. I watched the last edition two years ago and already thought one day, it’ll be my turn.
Now that moment is here. It’s a different atmosphere, a different energy. Representing my country on the African continent is a huge honor.
The Women’s AFCON is about history, culture, emotion. I can’t wait to live it from the inside.”
Echegini also issued a warning to her Super Falcons teammates, urging them not to underestimate their group stage opponents and emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and not taking any team for granted.
“It’s a tough group. On paper, we’re the favourites, clearly. But in this kind of tournament, that doesn’t mean anything.
No team should be taken lightly. We need to be focused from the first minute and never underestimate the opposition.”
Nigeria, the nine-time champions, have been drawn in a group B alongside Algeria, Tunisia, and Botswana.
Morocco will host the 2024 WAFCON from July 5 to July 26, The nine-time champions, Nigeria, will play all their group matches in Casablanca.
Echegini is expected to make the final squad for the competition.
