Portsmouth keeper Erhabor relishing potential Nigeria bow at WAFCON

Portsmouth goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor says she is “excited to step into the experience” as she closes in on a possible competitive debut for Nigeria at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations against Malawi.

The 19-year-old, currently in camp with the Super Falcons as they prepare for the 2026 WAFCON, would be permanently tied to Nigeria if she features in the tournament.

Erhabor is eligible for three countries – Nigeria through her parents, the Netherlands where she was born, and England where she grew up – but now stands on the brink of committing her international future to the nine-time African champions.

Speaking to the Super Falcons’ media team after receiving her first senior call-up, Erhabor admitted the magnitude of the moment took a while to sink in.

“I straight away called my mom and I told her about my call up. I was a bit nervous because I didn’t really know what to expect. But, I am excited to step into the experience,” she said.

Training with an idol

Erhabor, who plays her club football for Portsmouth, described sharing a training pitch with established Nigeria number one Chiamaka Nnadozie as a surreal experience.

“It feels unreal that’s probably one of the people I really looked the most up to in women’s football. To get to train alongside her and learn from her, it is something really special,” she explained.

The youngster said Nnadozie has long been one of her main inspirations in the game, alongside former Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

“My role models in football, I have two. One who I really used to look up to is Manuel Neuer and then Chiamaka Nnadozie as well,” Erhabor added.

Super Falcons chasing further history

Nigeria will face Malawi in their opening match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as they seek to reassert their dominance on the continent.

The Super Falcons are targeting a record-extending 10th WAFCON crown, having already established themselves as the most successful team in the competition’s history.

Nigeria go into the tournament as defending champions, having mounted a dramatic comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the previous final and lift their 10th title.

For Erhabor, the prospect of being part of that title defence – and potentially making her first competitive appearance for the Super Falcons – would mark a decisive step in her international career, confirming her long-term allegiance to Nigeria ahead of the Netherlands and England.