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NFF to Begin Super Falcons’ WAFCON 2026 Preparations After FIFA Clarifies International Window

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2 hours ago

8:18 am

NFF to Begin Super Falcons’ WAFCON 2026 Preparations After FIFA Clarifies International Window

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that preparations for the Super Falcons ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will only commence after FIFA clarifies the official international window for player release.

Nigeria, the most successful nation in the history of the competition, claimed a record-extending 10th WAFCON title in North Africa in 2025 and will be targeting an unprecedented 11th continental crown when the tournament is hosted by Morocco. The championship will also double as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Speaking in an interview with respected journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau explained that the federation is currently constrained by the absence of clear directives from FIFA regarding international release dates.

“There is nothing we can do until the FIFA window between February 26 and March 7,” Gusau said.

He added that the situation is further complicated by the need to coordinate with clubs in Europe, the United States, and Mexico, where the majority of Super Falcons players are based.

“And even at that, we need to know when the clubs will release our players for WAFCON camping, so that we can know how to prepare,” he stated.

Despite the delay, Gusau assured Nigerians that the NFF has comprehensive plans ready to be activated once FIFA provides the necessary clarity.

“Once FIFA can confirm the dates when players will be released, be assured that you will be very happy with the plans we are going to make for the team,” he concluded.

The Super Falcons, Africa’s most decorated women’s national team, remain focused on extending their dominance on the continent as anticipation builds ahead of WAFCON 2026.

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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