Super Falcons aim for continued dominance

By Kwame Ofori — 27 July 2026 — 3 min read

Super Falcons aim for continued dominance

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have arrived in Morocco for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with expectations to defend their title. Having secured their 10th title in Morocco last July, the team is considered a benchmark in African women’s football. Head coach Justin Madugu noted that as champions, other teams will be motivated to challenge them, a sentiment echoed by assistant coach Ann Chiejine, who emphasized the need for harder training.

Nigeria will commence their campaign against debutants Malawi on Tuesday, followed by matches against Zambia and Egypt in Group C. The tournament has expanded from 12 to 16 teams, increasing the competition. This edition of WAFCON also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the four semi-finalists guaranteed a spot.

Winger Francisca Ordega stated that the team’s primary goal is to qualify for the World Cup before focusing on defending their WAFCON title. Nigeria has consistently represented the continent at all nine World Cups since 1991. The team is not feeling pressure and believes they can compete with any African team.

Key players and squad dynamics

The Super Falcons squad features several prominent names in African football. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was named best player at last year’s tournament, will provide leadership and attacking prowess. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, the current African Goalkeeper of the Year, is expected to anchor the defense. Six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala also brings significant experience to the team.

Madugu has also integrated younger players into the squad, including striker Joy Omewa, who plays club football in Sweden. Omewa expressed excitement for this year’s tournament, noting the quality of last year’s games. Another new face is goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, who made her debut against Cameroon. Erhabor, who plays in the third tier of English football for Portsmouth, described Nnadozie as a mentor and expressed pride in representing her roots.

Midfielder Halimatu Ayinde is expected to be a crucial presence in the midfield, dictating tempo and providing a shield for the defense. Striker Chinwendu Ihezuo, returning from injury, adds pace and physical presence to Nigeria’s attack, having scored three goals in the previous edition.

However, the team will be without centre-back Ashleigh Plumptre due to a foot injury. Additionally, forward Esther Okoronkwo reportedly experienced theft after arriving in Morocco.

Preparations and upcoming challenges

Unlike previous WAFCON tournaments where preparation time was limited, Madugu and his staff have had the opportunity to conduct multiple friendlies. These included two matches against Cameroon earlier in the year, followed by two warm-up games against Senegal in June, and a victory over Tanzania last week.

Nigeria’s dominance in WAFCON is evident, having claimed 10 of the 13 titles since 1998. Only Equatorial Guinea (in 2008 and 2012) and South Africa (in 2022) have managed to break their stronghold. Despite Malawi being ranked 153rd in the world compared to Nigeria’s 36th, Madugu cautioned against underestimating any opponent, highlighting Malawi’s progress.

Malawi’s squad includes the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, who are recognized for their attacking prowess. Tabitha scored goals for Lyon in France, while Temwa has won awards in the National Women’s Soccer League with Kansas City Current. Nigeria will also need to be wary of Zambia’s experienced strike duo, Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, who also play in the USA.

The Super Falcons have faced Malawi twice in senior women’s international matches during qualification for the 2014 African Women’s Championship. The first encounter in Blantyre on June 9, 2012, resulted in a 1-1 draw, and Nigeria won the return leg 2-0 in Abuja on September 7, 2013.