The Super Falcons of Nigeria have arrived in Morocco for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), aiming to secure their 11th title. The team enters the tournament as defending champions, having claimed their 10th title last year with a 3-2 victory over the hosts.
Head coach Justin Madugu acknowledged the challenge of retaining the crown, a feat last achieved in 2018. Assistant coach Ann Chiejine, a four-time WAFCON winner as a player, emphasized the need for harder training, stating that every other country aims to defeat Nigeria.
Squad and Preparations
The squad features prominent players in African football, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was named the best player in last year’s tournament. Also included are Chiamaka Nnadozie, the current African goalkeeper of the year, and Asisat Oshoala, a six-time African player of the year, who are expected to provide experience and leadership.
Madugu has also integrated several young players, such as striker Joy Omewa, who plays club football in Sweden. Omewa expressed excitement for the tournament, anticipating it to be even bigger than the previous one. Fellow striker Oshoala, who is seeking her fifth WAFCON title, is seen as a mentor by Omewa.
The team’s preparation included multiple friendly matches, such as a double-header against Cameroon earlier in the year and two warm-up games against Senegal in June. Goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, who plays in the third tier of English football for Portsmouth, made her debut against Cameroon and expressed her appreciation for the trust placed in young players.
However, the Super Falcons are without centre-back Ashleigh Plumptre due to a foot injury. Additionally, the squad experienced thefts upon arrival in Morocco, with forward Esther Okoronkwo reportedly losing hundreds of dollars.
Tournament Outlook and Incentives
Nigeria is one of only three nations to have lifted the WAFCON trophy, having won 10 of the 13 titles since 1998. Equatorial Guinea (2008 and 2012) and South Africa (2022) are the only other teams to have won the title. The tournament has expanded from 12 to 16 teams, increasing the level of competition.
The 2026 WAFCON also serves as a qualifying competition for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists guaranteed a spot. Winger Francisca Ordega stated that the team’s initial goal is to qualify for the World Cup before focusing on defending their title.
The Super Falcons will commence their campaign against debutants Malawi on Tuesday, followed by matches against Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5. Malawi, despite being ranked lower than Nigeria, features the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, known for their attacking prowess. Zambia also presents a challenge with experienced strikers Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji.
In other news, Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons goalkeeper, has received the documents for a house promised to each member of Nigeria’s 2024 WAFCON-winning squad. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the presentation, with NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and Director of Competitions Ruth David presenting the property documents. The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, stated that the presentation was timed to coincide with the team’s assembly for this year’s tournament, and that cash rewards for the players have also been disbursed.
The prize money for this year’s tournament has been doubled, with the winners set to receive a significant sum, reflecting the continued growth of African women’s football.
Source: bbc.com
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