Christy Ucheibe: ‘Nothing Can Stop Us’ as Super Falcons Target WAFCON Glory and World Cup Spot

Christy Ucheibe says “nothing can stop” the Super Falcons in Morocco as Nigeria chase an 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and look to keep their flawless FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification record intact.

The 25-year-old midfielder insists the reigning African champions are travelling not merely to defend their crown but to “win it again and get the job done” at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which is under way in Morocco and doubles as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Nigeria, 10-time WAFCON winners and the continent’s most successful women’s national side, are the only African team to have appeared at every Women’s World Cup since the inaugural edition in 1991. Ucheibe says maintaining that streak is non‐negotiable for Justin Madugu’s squad.

“We are united, we are hungry and we are determined,” she told Brila.net ahead of the tournament, stressing that the same desire that powered Nigeria to continental glory last year is driving the team again.

‘Nothing can stop us’

Fresh from ending a six-year spell with Portuguese champions Benfica, Ucheibe believes the Super Falcons’ biggest strength remains their unity and collective mentality.

She emphasised that, despite Nigeria’s status as defending champions and record winners, there will be no complacency in Morocco. Every match, she said, will be approached with the same intensity and focus that helped the Super Falcons reclaim the trophy at the last WAFCON.

According to Ucheibe, the players fully understand the responsibility that comes with representing Nigeria and are “totally committed” to delivering another successful campaign, both in terms of lifting the trophy and booking their ticket to Brazil 2027.

Even if the Super Falcons were to fall short of another continental title, Ucheibe made clear that securing World Cup qualification remains an absolute priority.

Benfica chapter closes as new challenge looms

Ucheibe travels to Morocco at a turning point in her club career after Benfica officially confirmed her departure at the end of her contract, bringing an end to a highly decorated six-year stay in Portugal.

During that period, she became one of Benfica’s key performers, making 179 appearances and scoring 11 goals as the club dominated the domestic scene and collected a substantial haul of trophies.

Her exit closes one of the most successful chapters of her professional journey and leaves her poised for a new challenge once her national-team commitments at WAFCON are complete.

Ucheibe defends Oshoala and Ordega

Away from Nigeria’s title ambitions, Ucheibe moved to defend senior players Asisat Oshoala and Francisca Ordega after their selection for the tournament prompted questions from some observers over their age and longevity in the squad.

She firmly rejected suggestions that either forward should be phased out, arguing that their ongoing contributions on the pitch justify their continued presence in the team.

Ucheibe highlighted Ordega’s quality and long-term service to Nigerian football, insisting that experience should be valued rather than held against a player simply because they have spent many years with the national side.

Drawing parallels with other leading football nations, she underlined that age should never be the decisive factor as long as a player is still performing at a high level, pointing to Ordega’s club form as evidence that she deserves her Super Falcons place.

Oshoala ‘blocking out’ criticism

The midfielder also offered support for six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year Oshoala, who continues to attract criticism despite remaining one of Africa’s most decorated players.

Ucheibe said Oshoala has learned to block out negativity and concentrate on her football, accepting that criticism “will always exist” but refusing to let it define her.

She admires the striker’s ability to ignore external noise and maintain her focus, describing that mentality as an asset within the dressing room.

‘Everything required to make history again’

As Nigeria embark on another quest for continental success in Morocco, Ucheibe is convinced the Super Falcons possess the right blend of unity, experience and belief to make history once more.

For the midfielder, the team’s mission is clear: retain the WAFCON title, extend Nigeria’s dominance with an 11th African crown and ensure the Super Falcons continue their proud tradition of appearing on the game’s biggest stage by qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.