With the imminent start of the women's African Nations Cup, fans in the Nigerian town of Warri look forward to the competition with excitement.

Nigeria play the opening match against Ethiopia on Saturday afternoon.

"Banners and flyers have been put around the town to welcome the teams that will be playing here," said Aisha Falode.

Falode is a Caf media officer and reporter with Nigerian radio station Raypower FM.

It is the first time that football-crazy Warri is hosting a major international tournament.

But the town is the base for Ufuoma Babes, one of the clubs in the national domestic league for female teams.

It is also the hometown of Super Falcons captain Florence Omagbemi.

"A lot of the girls in the national team played their club football in Warri, so there is a very strong base for the game here," Falode said.

As two-time winners and defending Nations Cup champions, Falode said Nigerian fans have come to regard the African title as a birthright.

Ghana play in Group A

They look to the global stage for a tougher and worthwhile challenge.

"People here are not worried about whether Nigeria would win the Cup.

"They are more concerned about the impact that they'll have at the 2004 World Cup in China.

"The team did not do well at the first World Cup in China (played in 1991) and in Sweden (in 1995) but managed to make an impact at the last competition in the United States.

" Nigerians are hoping that the Falcons can take things to a higher level," Falode said.

Ghana, Ethiopia and Mali and hosts Nigeria are preparing for Saturday's Group A matches in Warri.

Neighbouring Sapele town will accommodate South Africa, Cameroon, Zimbabwe and Angola.

But they play their Group B matches in Oghara.