Super Falcons ‘hungrier than ever’ for WAFCON glory and World Cup spot – Abiodun warns rivals

Nigeria midfielder Deborah Abiodun says the Super Falcons are “hungrier than ever” to retain their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown in Morocco and secure early qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The Washington Spirit player, who helped Nigeria win a record-extending 10th African title last year, insists the champions will not be distracted by past success as they chase an unprecedented 11th continental trophy.

“The last title was great, but that’s in the past now,” Abiodun told ESPN.
“We have to focus on this one.”

“It would be great to win again because, as a player, you never get tired of winning.”

With WAFCON doubling as the African qualifiers for the next Women’s World Cup, a semi-final place in Morocco would be enough to maintain Nigeria’s status as the only African nation to have appeared at every edition of the global tournament since 1991.

World Cup record on the line

Nigeria are one of only seven countries worldwide to have participated in every FIFA Women’s World Cup. Preserving that record is central to the team’s mission in Morocco.

Head coach Justine Madugu has repeatedly underlined that qualification for Brazil 2027 comes before any talk of another continental triumph.

The coach said:
“The first priority is qualifying for the World Cup. Winning the 11th title would be a bonus.”

“The last title was great, but that’s in the past now.”

“We have to focus on this one.”

If the Super Falcons reach the last four in Morocco, they will automatically book their place at the World Cup, with the title then becoming an added target.

Tough group test in Morocco

Despite their pedigree, Nigeria face a demanding Group C at WAFCON, where they have been drawn against Malawi, Zambia and Egypt.

Malawi are making their first appearance at the tournament but will arrive with significant firepower in attack, led by sisters Temwa Chawinga of Kansas City Current and Tabitha Chawinga of Olympique Lyonnais.

Zambia, widely regarded as one of Africa’s fastest-rising women’s teams, will look to the prolific Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda and Bay FC striker Racheal Kundananji to trouble the Super Falcons defence.

Abiodun stresses that Nigeria will not underestimate any of their group opponents.

“Regardless of whether it’s Malawi, Zambia or Egypt, every game is important,” she said.

“We’re not taking any team lightly, and I’m not underrating any player.”

“As the Super Falcons, we’re always trying to make Nigerians proud.

“That’s our first priority, making Nigerians proud, making our teammates proud and making ourselves proud.”

“This WAFCON is very important, especially because there’s World Cup qualification at stake.”

“I don’t think we’re taking any game lightly.”

“It’s going to be fun.”

Nigeria open their campaign against Malawi before facing Zambia and Egypt as they attempt to progress from the group and build momentum towards the knockout phase.

Core of champions kept together

Madugu has retained the backbone of the squad that lifted the trophy last year, combining seasoned internationals with emerging talents such as Abiodun.

The continuity, he believes, will give Nigeria a crucial edge in a tournament where several nations have strengthened significantly since the last edition.

The Super Falcons travel to Morocco widely viewed as favourites, but with South Africa, Zambia, Morocco and others improving rapidly, the gap at the top of the African women’s game is narrowing.

Spirit form fuels Abiodun’s confidence

Abiodun arrives in national team camp on the back of an impressive spell with Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), where she has become a key figure since joining from the University of Pittsburgh last year.

“Since the first time I joined the Spirit, it has always been about growth for me,” she said.

“Regardless of WAFCON or no WAFCON, I’ve always prioritized growth, the mental aspect, my game, and just being a better midfielder and a better teammate.”

“Regardless of whether I’m on the national team or with my Spirit family and team, it’s always been about growth for me.”

Washington Spirit go into the international break as one of the NWSL’s form teams, having won seven of their previous eight league matches before a narrow 1-0 defeat to Gotham FC.

Abiodun credits the club’s demanding environment for sharpening her ahead of WAFCON.

“It’s a bunch of things, a bunch of positive things, to be honest,” she said.

“It all comes down to having great players on the team who are always willing to make that extra effort, the extra tackle, the extra shot on target.

“That shows how great this team is.

“Regardless of who’s on the field, there’s always great support for whoever isn’t playing.

“Everyone brings their A-game to every match.

“We’re grateful that we’ve won a lot of matches.

“Credit also goes to the staff. Every coach and every member of the non-coaching staff has been wonderful.

“Every training session is at match pace, and we prioritize getting better every day, being one percent better than we were in the previous session.

“I think that’s played a big part in how many games we’ve won this season.”

‘Queens of Africa’ out to prove a point

With club duties on hold, Abiodun now turns fully to international business as Nigeria step up preparations for the 2026 WAFCON.

According to Abiodun’s words, Nigeria are not travelling to Morocco simply to defend their crown; they intend to underline why the Super Falcons still see themselves as Africa’s undisputed queens of women’s football.

With history, reputation and World Cup qualification all at stake, Abiodun and her team-mates know that anything less than another deep run in Morocco would be seen as a failure – and they are determined not to let that happen.