Chinwendu Ihezuo Eyes Tougher WAFCON Challenge, Backs Super Falcons to Defend Title and Secure World Cup Ticket

Former Nigeria junior international striker Chinwendu Ihezuo has acknowledged that the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco will be significantly more challenging than the previous edition, citing the added incentive of qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The tournament, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco, will see Africa’s top women’s national teams battling not only for continental glory but also for coveted World Cup qualification spots.

According to the Pachuca Tuzas forward, the race for World Cup tickets will make every match fiercely contested, and she has urged the defending champions, the Super Falcons, to avoid complacency.

“This tournament will be tougher, much tougher. Last year, there was no FIFA Women’s World Cup ticket to fight for. When the first whistle blows on July 26, every team’s focus will be on qualifying for the World Cup. As defending champions, we cannot afford to be over-confident.

“However, I believe in the team that we have, the unity among us, our hard work, and the courage that keeps us going. We are going to Morocco not only to secure a World Cup ticket but also to retain the trophy.”

Ihezuo also provided an encouraging update on her fitness after spending time on the sidelines with injury. The forward revealed that she has fully recovered and is eager to rejoin the Super Falcons as they pursue a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.

“God has been great, and I give Him all the glory. I am now healed and fully recovered. My club is currently in pre-season, but I am ready to fly to Morocco and join the Super Falcons to make Nigeria proud.”

The Mexican-based striker is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s attack as the Super Falcons aim to defend their continental crown and book their place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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