Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo says she firmly believes Nigeria can defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown and win a record-extending 11th continental title when the tournament returns to Morocco in 2026, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria, the defending champions, booked their ticket to next year’s finals after a 3–1 aggregate victory over neighbours Benin Republic.
Okoronkwo was instrumental across both legs, scoring in the 2–0 first-leg win in Cotonou and providing an assist in the 1–1 draw in Abeokuta that sealed qualification.
South Africa, Morocco (hosts), Zambia and Ghana have also qualified for the WAFCON and each nation will be looking to wrestle the crown away from Nigeria.
However, speaking on Channels Television’s Sports Tonight shortly after the Falcons clinched their place, AFC Toronto's Okoronkwo expressed absolute belief in her team’s ability to dominate Africa once more.
“Yes. With Nigeria, everything is possible for sure,” Okoronkwo said. “We’re not going there to not want to win or just go there for vibes. We want to win the 11th [WAFCON title] for sure.”
Okoronkwo was one of the standout performers when the Super Falcons beat hosts Morocco 3–2 to lift the 2025 WAFCON trophy in Rabat.
She scored once and provided two assists in the comeback win that earned her the Player of the Match award and a CAF Women’s Player of the Year nomination alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade.
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Governor Abiodun rewards Super Falcons with ₦50 million support package
In recognition of the team’s consistency and historic achievements, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun announced a ₦50 million support package for the Super Falcons ahead of their qualifier against Benin.
The governor made the announcement when he hosted the ten-time African champions at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, ahead of the decisive second leg, which ended 1–1 but ensured Nigeria’s aggregate victory.
“We were delighted to receive the Super Falcons of Nigeria in our office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, ahead of their second-leg WAFCON 2026 qualifier against the Amazons of Benin Republic,” Abiodun said in a statement on his official Facebook page.
“In recognition of their inspiring performances and to further motivate them for the task ahead, we announced a support package of ₦50 million to the team.”
The Super Falcons are the most successful nation in the history of the Women’s AFCON, winning ten of the 13 contested titles. The reigning African champions are also the only team on the continent to have appeared at every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
