Tunisian striker Mariem Houij acknowledges Nigeria’s dominant history at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), but remains optimistic that her side can go all the way to reach the final of the 2024 tournament, which kicks off in Morocco on Saturday, July 5, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Nigeria, Africa’s most decorated women’s national team, will be chasing a record-extending 10th title. Since the Confederation of African Football (CAF) launched the tournament in 1998, the Super Falcons have won nine out of 12 editions and have reached at least the semi-finals every time.
Drawn in Group B, Nigeria will face Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. Their opening match against Tunisia is scheduled for Sunday, July 6, in Casablanca.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Houij expressed belief in Tunisia’s preparation and ability to challenge the group favourites.
“Nigeria is the most decorated team in WAFCON history. In the last edition, they were eliminated by hosts Morocco in the semi-finals. We beat Botswana in a friendly in Tunis last year, and Algeria’s playing style is similar to ours—we’ve recently beaten them twice,” Houij said in an interview published on CAF’s website.
“Of course, official matches are very different from friendlies. But our coaching staff is doing detailed analysis of every opponent to ensure we’re fully prepared.”
The 30-year-old forward made history in the 2022 tournament—also hosted in Morocco—by scoring the fastest goal in WAFCON history, finding the net just 17 seconds into Tunisia’s clash with Togo on July 3.
With the 2024 edition delayed until 2025, Houij says Tunisia’s squad has had time to strengthen and is now targeting a place in the final.
“The ideal scenario would be reaching the final. We have a strong, experienced group that has been reinforced with new talent due to the tournament’s postponement. We’re ready for the challenge and determined to deliver a performance that Tunisia—and Africa—will remember,” she added.
The Super Falcons remain the benchmark in African women’s football, having dominated the tournament since its inception. Equatorial Guinea, winners in 2008 and 2012, and South Africa—the reigning champions after their 2022 triumph—are the only other nations to have lifted the trophy.
Meanwhile, Morocco, Ghana, and Cameroon have all reached the final but are yet to win the tournament.