African Giants: What It Takes to be A Super Falcon

“If you are Nigerian, there’s no way you cannot survive.” These words from Super Falcons captain and Atletico Madrid midfielder, Rasheedat Ajibade, capture the indomitable spirit at the heart of African Giants, a documentary that celebrates Nigeria’s extraordinary women football players.

The statistics tell a story of excellence often overlooked. Across all sports, Nigerian women have long carried the nation’s victories, claiming 36 of Nigeria’s 48 Commonwealth gold medals. But nowhere is their dominance more overlooked than in football, with women’s sports receiving a mere 12% of Nigeria’s total sports media coverage. African Giants highlights this disparity through an intimate portrait of Nigeria’s national women’s football team, the Super Falcons. Produced and directed by Kimberly Mason, the documentary follows three star players whose journeys embody the broader struggle for recognition and equality. More than a sports film, it catalyzes essential conversations about gender equality, inclusion, and women’s empowerment, giving voice to champions who have long deserved the spotlight.

Midway into the documentary, a moment from the 2022 Women’s World Cup crystallizes its core themes. In Nigeria’s tense knockout clash with England, Lauren James was shown a red card for stepping on Michelle Alozie’s back (the picture became an instant viral moment). What makes this scene compelling is hearing Alozie herself reflect on the incident, discussing the team’s resilience with the kind of honesty that draws you in. Even after the heartbreaking 4-2 defeat that ended their World Cup dreams, the Super Falcons’ measured, united response speaks volumes about their character. 

As director Kimberly Mason puts it, “I hope viewers come away with a deeper appreciation and connection to Nigerian culture, especially through the lens of its women. I want them to understand the unique challenges that women, particularly women athletes, face in their pursuit of greatness. There’s a resilience, a fire, that burns within Nigerian women, and I hope that fire is not only seen but truly respected.”

The Super Falcons’ trophy cabinet tells the story of African football dominance: 11 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles, 9 FIFA World Cup appearances, and the distinction of being Africa’s first women’s team to reach an Olympic quarterfinal. On paper, they’re poised to be the best football team in Africa. But the documentary reveals the gritty reality behind these achievements, stories that make their success all the more remarkable.

Take Rasheedat Ajibade’s confession about using fabric wrappers as makeshift pads during a Nigerian game, or her candid discussion of battling depression in silence with no support system. These represent the barriers these women have had to overcome. What threads these three players together is their persistence in a field where men’s achievements consistently overshadow women’s excellence, despite comparable—if not superior—results.

In 2025, these stories feel urgent. Better representation in women’s sports is necessary to pave smoother paths for the next generation of extraordinary athletes. And the timing couldn’t be more perfect. The Super Falcons are heading to the Olympics for the first time since 2008, carrying the weight of history and the confidence that comes with being trailblazers. When these three women talk about making history again, you believe them, because they already have.

Beyond its powerful message of gender equality, the documentary captures the genuine chemistry between these three women. Their playful banter and easy camaraderie reveal how trust and friendship become the foundation of exceptional teamwork. As one watches them on screen, it’s clear these are women who have built something together.

When asked why make this film now, Mason’s response is direct: “Why not now?” She’s right, the world is already captivated by Nigeria’s cultural explosion through music, fashion, and film. But there’s a glaring omission in this global celebration. The Super Falcons and Nigerian women in sports have earned their place in that conversation through grit and undeniable impact. Their stories deserve the same spotlight, the same recognition, the same respect.

African Giants reminds us that true cultural representation can’t be selective. It’s not enough to embrace what’s trending while overlooking the people actually shaping the narrative. These women have been writing history all along; it’s time the world started paying more attention to their story.