Nigeria target record-extending WAFCON crown and World Cup spot as Super Falcons land in Morocco

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will launch their bid for an 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title – and automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup – when WAFCON 2026 kicks off in Morocco later this month.

Head coach Justine Madugu has named a seasoned, star-studded squad led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala and three-time reigning Africa’s Best Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, underlining Nigeria’s determination to stay at the top of the continental game.

The defending champions arrive as the most successful side in WAFCON history, having lifted the trophy 10 times. Another triumph in Morocco would extend that all-time record to 11 and maintain their dominance of women’s football in Africa.

This year’s tournament doubles as Africa’s qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. All four semi-finalists will book direct spots at the global showpiece, while quarter-final losers will still have a final chance to reach the World Cup via the intercontinental playoff pathway.

Madugu’s team completed their preparations with a 2-1 friendly win over Tanzania before settling into camp in Casablanca ahead of the opening round of fixtures.

Expanded format and key dates

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will run from 26 July to 16 August in Morocco and marks a major expansion of the competition.

For the first time, 16 teams – up from 12 in previous editions – will compete for the continental title. Matches will be staged primarily in Rabat and Casablanca, a move designed to reduce travel time and logistical strain for participating nations.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt, with all three of their group matches to be played in Rabat at either Al Medina Stadium or the Olympic Stadium.

Nigeria’s group fixtures

The Super Falcons begin their campaign against Malawi on Tuesday, 28 July, at Al Medina Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 Nigerian time.

Their second outing, against an improving Zambia side on Saturday, 1 August, also at Al Medina Stadium, is already being viewed as a potential decider for top spot in Group C.

Nigeria’s group schedule concludes on Wednesday, 5 August, when they face Egypt at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. That match will likewise start at 21:00 Nigerian time.

Reaching the last four would immediately secure Nigeria a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Failure to progress beyond the quarter-finals, however, would leave them relying on the more precarious qualification route into the intercontinental playoffs.

Strongest challengers to Nigeria’s crown

Although Nigeria start as favourites, several rivals are regarded as realistic contenders to dethrone the Super Falcons.

Hosts Morocco, who have finished as runners-up at each of the past two WAFCON tournaments, will look to use home advantage to finally go one better. South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, the second-highest ranked side at the finals, are also expected to challenge strongly as they seek to reclaim the title they won for the first – and so far only – time in 2022.

South Africa defeated Nigeria on their way to that historic success and will feel they have a proven blueprint for unsettling the champions.

Zambia, bronze medallists at WAFCON 2022, and Ghana, who finished third in 2024, are also seen as potential dark horses, alongside Senegal, whose squad is considered capable of delivering an upset on their day.

If the Super Falcons can navigate those threats, they would both retain their African crown and extend their remarkable record of qualifying for every edition of the Women’s World Cup.

Squad depth – and a key absentee

Madugu has travelled with a 25-player squad after midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Gift Monday finally joined up with the group following travel delays from the United States.

Nigeria will, however, be without defender Ashley Plumptre, who was ruled out of the tournament after failing to recover from injury in time.

Even in Plumptre’s absence, the Super Falcons’ squad is widely regarded as the strongest in Africa. Oshoala brings vast experience and a prolific record in front of goal, Ajibade combines leadership with creativity and drive from midfield, while Nnadozie has been recognised as the continent’s outstanding goalkeeper for three consecutive years.

The Nigerian Football Federation will also be aware of the financial stakes. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set a record $2m prize for the WAFCON 2026 champions, making this the most lucrative edition of the tournament to date.

Nigeria squad for WAFCON 2026

Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor, Fatima Oloko

Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Rofiat Imuran, Shukurat Oladipo, Glory Ogbonna

Midfielders:
Deborah Abiodun, Sikiratu Isah, Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde, Rasheedat Ajibade, Jennifer Echegini, Antoinette Payne

Forwards:
Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Okoronkwo, Joy Omewa, Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Omorinsola Babajide, Francisca Ordega, Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu