Defending champions Nigeria are preparing to begin their campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) determined to retain the continental title and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
After capturing a record-extending 10th WAFCON crown in Morocco last year with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the host nation, the Super Falcons enter the tournament once again as Africa’s team to beat. Head coach Justin Madugu, who guided Nigeria to last year’s triumph under the “Mission X” campaign, believes defending the title will be an even greater challenge.
Madugu acknowledged that every opponent will be motivated to defeat the reigning champions, stressing that his squad understands the expectations that come with wearing the African crown. He said the team has prepared thoroughly and is ready for the challenge ahead.
Nigeria open their Group C campaign against tournament debutants Malawi before taking on Zambia and Egypt. Assistant coach Ann Chiejine, a four-time WAFCON winner during her playing career, said every nation now raises its level when facing Nigeria, making hard work and proper preparation essential.
The Super Falcons once again boast a squad filled with experienced stars. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was named the best player at the previous tournament, joins reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie and six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala in leading the team.
Madugu has also introduced several promising young players, including striker Joy Omewa, who plays club football in Sweden. Omewa watched Nigeria’s title-winning campaign from afar and believes this year’s tournament will be even more competitive than the last edition.
Nigeria remain the most successful nation in WAFCON history, having won 10 of the tournament’s 13 titles since its inception in 1998. Only Equatorial Guinea and South Africa have managed to interrupt the Super Falcons’ dominance over the years.
The 2026 edition presents an even tougher test after the competition expanded from 12 to 16 teams. In addition to the continental title, the tournament also serves as the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists automatically earning places at the global showpiece.
Experienced winger Francisca Ordega said qualifying for the World Cup remains Nigeria’s immediate objective before focusing on successfully defending the African title. She insisted the team is not under pressure and is confident it can compete with any opponent on the continent.
Nigeria have represented Africa at every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1991, underlining the country’s consistency on the global stage. Chiejine believes the steady improvement of women’s football across Africa has made every tournament increasingly competitive, pointing to the narrow margins that now separate many of the continent’s leading teams.
Among Nigeria’s opponents, Malawi will make its first-ever WAFCON appearance despite being ranked significantly lower in the FIFA rankings. However, the Scorchers possess one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking partnerships in sisters Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga. Tabitha recently helped Lyon win another French league title, while Temwa has established herself as one of the standout players in the National Women’s Soccer League with Kansas City Current.
Nigeria will also face a major threat from Zambia, whose attack features internationally acclaimed forwards Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, both of whom play professionally in the United States.
Despite Nigeria’s status as favorites, Madugu has warned against underestimating any opponent, emphasizing that every team has earned its place at the tournament. Ajibade echoed that view, saying Malawi’s qualification demonstrates the rapid growth of women’s football across Africa and serves as a reminder that no match can be taken lightly as the Super Falcons pursue an unprecedented 11th continental title.
