By Jacob Ajom

Nine-time champions Nigeria loom larger than any other participant as the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations finals begin in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Winners of the inaugural edition that their country hosted in 1998, the Super Falcons also took home the diadem in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018, and look forward to the thirteenth edition with confidence but without being sardonic.

Home-boy Coach Justine Madugu is satisfied that he has a team that can hold its own right from the first match against Tunisia tomorrow.

“We are very focused on our realisable and achievable target of Mission X. The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory and team spirit is high. We are looking forward to our first match on Sunday against Tunisia,” Madugu told thenff.com after the Falcons strolled past West African rivals Ghana in their last pre-tournament friendly on Sunday.

Victory over Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in Abeokuta and a scoreless draw with Portugal in earlier friendlies have buoyed the spirit and gait of the Super Falcons.

Nigeria’s squad drips with talent, experience and purpose, with Africa’s best for the second year running, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie the rock that most teams will find too difficult to crack. Defender Osinachi Ohale has decades of experience and provides the spine for a rearguard that includes hardworking and efficient young ones like Ashleigh Plumptre, Tosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Sikiratu Isah, Miracle Usani and Shukurat Oladipo.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has traversed the gamut of the Nigeria women teams, and her sterling contributions make it appear like she has always been there.

“For us, effort is everything. We’ll demonstrate what we’re capable of and continue to build on our existing strengths. We have an incredible group of talented players. We’re all excited to be here. We know it won’t be easy but we’re committed to showing up as our best selves,” Ajibade said during a webinar organized by CAF last week.

That pool of ‘talented players’ also include fellow midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Jennifer Echegini, as well as the bustling Toni Payne and hard-as-nails Halimatu Ayinde and Christy Ucheibe.

Questions by some pundits over the inclusion of Francisca Ordega were quashed by her delightful outing against Portugal in a friendly in Lisbon on 23rd June, as she created excellent opportunities for fellow attackers and rocked the crossbar from 27 yards. Her experience, smarts and energy, and those of Asisat Oshoala, will be worthwhile to spur the likes of Rinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, Ifeoma Onumonu and Folashade Ijamilusi to mow down the opposition.

The Super Falcons will also be hugely motivated by a $1million winner’s prize – the biggest-ever in the history of the competition. The CAF also announced on Thursday that the runners-up will earn $500,000, with the third-placed and fourth-placed teams going home with $350,000 and $300,000 each.

• Stakeholders Laud Sen. Ned Nwoko’s patriotism

In a show of unity and historic resolve, the people of Delta North Senatorial District have renewed their call for the creation of Anioma State as Nigeria’s 37th state. This overwhelming demand formed the highlight of a constitutional review public hearing hosted by the 10th Senate of the National Assembly on Friday in Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

The hearing, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, witnessed a massive turnout from across the South-South geopolitical zone, including traditional rulers, youth groups, civil society organizations, and political stakeholders. The bill for the creation of Anioma State, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North, served as the centerpiece of deliberations, ahead of other pressing issues such as local government autonomy and gender equality.

Senator Akpabio affirmed the Senate’s commitment to inclusive governance, stating that the public hearing was held “to ensure that the voices of the people are heard” as part of the ongoing constitutional review process.

The demand for Anioma State received a flood of support through memoranda and public submissions. Leading the charge was HRM Obi Afamefuna Henry Kikachukwu, the Obi of Ubulu-Uno and 2nd Vice Chairman of the Delta Traditional Rulers Council, who declared unanimous support from Anioma royal fathers. He emphasized that Anioma has remained Nigeria’s oldest state creation agitation, dating back 71 years to the colonial era.

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Omenazu Jackson, coordinator of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights, speaking on behalf of over 100 civil society and cultural groups, said Anioma State would promote equity and address long-standing grievances, particularly those stemming from the Anioma genocide during the Nigerian Civil War.

Legal practitioner Barr. Tony Ogana also submitted a memorandum in support of the state’s creation, while Pastor Nwachukwu Ugbekile James of the Akikuwa Cultural Initiative called for the inclusion of the Igbanke community in Edo State due to ancestral ties with Anioma.

Stakeholders from constituent parts of Aniocha/Oshimili, Ndokwa/Ukwuani, and Ika expressed deep appreciation to Senator Ned Nwoko for what they described as “unprecedented passion and commitment” to the Anioma cause.

High-profile attendees included Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Ede Dafinone, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, and the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, who represented Governor Umo Eno.

Simultaneously, a similar Senate public hearing was held in Enugu, where support for Anioma State was also robust. HRM Chukwuwike Charles Anyasi III, the Obi of Idumuje-Unor, led Delta North traditional rulers in making compelling arguments for Anioma’s inclusion in the national map. The Enugu session was chaired by Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, with Senators Orji Uzor Kalu, Osita Izunaso, Victor Umeh, and others in attendance.

A delegation representing Senator Ned Nwoko, including Dr. Michael Nwoko, Chief Godfrey Odogwu, Dr. Chris Okoba, Barr. Eugene Uzum, and other members of the Anioma Technical Committee, also made a strong case at both hearings.

As Nigeria contemplates a new wave of constitutional reforms, the Anioma people are hopeful that their long-standing quest for identity, unity, and historical justice will finally receive national endorsement.