Three years ago, the Super Falcons of Nigeria had a sub-par performance at the Women's African Cup of Nations, crashing out in the sem-finals, and missing out on the final for the first time.
Coming off the back of three consecutive WAFCON title triumphs in 2014,2016 and 2018 the Super Falcons were knocked out by hosts Morrocco, in the semi-finals, on penalties.
Striker Ifeoma Onumonu has explained it was simply "loss of focus" from the girls, and stated what needs to be done to claim the much anticipated 10th title.
"In the 2022 WAFCON, there was a moment in the tournament when we lost focus on what we wanted to achieve, and I think this year, knowing that our downfall was all in our hands, we've come in with greater focus and we won't allow anything stand in our way to reclaim our throne." She told TheSuperFalconsShow
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"We have a good mix of players, the experience and the excitement of the new players would be the deciding factor for us."
When asked on what could pose a threat for the Falcons in their quest for a 10th title, she said;
"Our biggest threat in winning back our crown is ourselves.
"Not to say that there aren't good teams in this tournament, I think obviously we have the defending champions South Africa as well as the attacking force of Zambia that is going to probably cause some problems for us unless we stay focused on every game, every 90 minutes."
"If we do that I think we'll have a good chance of winning this tournament." She concluded.
The Falcons have already started on a good note, thrashing the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia three-nil on the opening matchday, and they get set to face Botswana who are making only their second appearance at the tournament.