By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Nigeria’s rating in Africa has reached its lowest ebb under Coach Randy Waldrum as the once dreaded country in the continent has been drawn with the lowest national team in the world, São Tomé and Príncipe women’s football team in the first round of the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Nigeria finished in the fourth place in the last WAFCON in Morocco after three defeats in the hands of South Africa, Morocco and Zambia in the group stage, semi final and 3rd place match, a shambolic performance by Nigeria’s standard.
The result of the poor performances by the Super Falcons under the tutelage of the American gaffer (Waldrum) in both FIFA and CAF competitions ensured that Nigeria is now rated amongst the likes of Saó Tomé and Principe.
According to the fixtures released by the Confederation Confederation of African Football (CAF) obtained by Promptnews on Friday, Nigeria will host São Tomé and Príncipe senior women’s football team that is not rated by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) between September 18 to 20 in the first leg of round of 2024 WAFCON qualifiers while the return leg will hold in Saò Tome, capital of the Central African nation in the weekend of September 24 to 26.
Nigeria’s first round opponents, Saò Tome and Principe has only played in six FIFA recognised matches and never been internationally ranked by FIFA and only played its first international match in August 9, 2002 in 0-2 loss to Gabon in São Tomé, São Tomé.
The second match in Libreville in August 23, 2002 saw Gabon thrash Saò Tomé 6-0 while Togo also walloped São Tomé and Príncipe 6-0 in February 26, 2006 in Saò Tome.
A closer look at WAFCON 2024 fixtures showed that the reigning African champions, South Africa and Zambia, an emerging force are drawn by in the first round and will start from the second round which will hold from November 27 to December 5. The new powerhouse of African football, Morocco as host will not be playing in the qualifiers.
