Tunisia Star Acknowledges Super Falcons’ Strength Ahead of WAFCON

Despite Nigeria’s dominance in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Tunisia forward Mariem Houij believes her team has what it takes to reach the final of the 2024 edition, which kicks off Saturday, July 5, in Morocco.

The Super Falcons, nine-time champions of the tournament, are once again considered strong contenders, having won nine out of the 12 editions since the competition’s inception in 1998. They are the most successful women’s team on the continent and are chasing a historic 10th title.

This year, Nigeria will compete in Group B alongside Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. Their campaign begins on Sunday, July 6, in Casablanca, where they face Tunisia in their opening group fixture.

Houij, who is fully aware of the Super Falcons’ pedigree, remains optimistic about Tunisia’s chances not just in the group, but throughout the tournament.

“Nigeria are the most decorated side in WAFCON history. They lost to Morocco in the semi-finals of the last edition, so we know the challenge we face,” Houij told CAF’s official website. “We’ve beaten Botswana in a recent friendly, and Algeria has a playing style similar to ours—we won both of our last meetings with them. But of course, official matches are a different ball game. Our coaching staff is working hard to prepare us thoroughly for each opponent.”

Now 30, Houij holds the record for the fastest goal ever scored in WAFCON history—just 17 seconds into Tunisia’s group stage game against Togo on July 3, 2022, also in Morocco. As she marks the third anniversary of that milestone, she has her sights set on another historic run.

“Reaching the final would be a dream come true. We have a core group of experienced players, strengthened by new additions due to the tournament’s postponement. We’re ready to rise to the occasion and make Tunisia proud,” she said.

While Nigeria has traditionally dominated the tournament, winning nearly every edition since its formalization in 1998, other nations have also made their mark. Equatorial Guinea lifted the trophy in 2008 and 2012, while South Africa clinched their maiden title in 2022. Morocco, Ghana, and Cameroon have all reached the final but have yet to claim the crown.

The 2024 edition delayed to 2025 is expected to be one of the most competitive yet, with several nations bolstering their squads and eyeing a rare break in Nigeria’s long-standing reign.