Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has warned that Nigeria's title defence at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will be far more demanding than last year's triumphant “Mission X” campaign, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria begin their WAFCON title defence against tournament debutants Malawi on Tuesday night in Rabat before taking on Zambia and Egypt in a challenging Group C.
The Super Falcons lifted a record-extending 10th continental title in Morocco last year after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic final, but Madugu believes that success has only increased the pressure on his side.
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
“Now that we are champions, every other team will want to draw you down,” Madugu told BBC Sport.
“It's not going to be easy. We are quite aware of that and we are going to be fully ready.”
Super Falcons: Malawi first, but bigger challenges await
Although Nigeria enter the tournament as overwhelming favourites, Madugu is refusing to overlook Malawi, whose qualification marked another sign of the rapid growth of women's football across Africa.
The Scorchers are making their maiden WAFCON appearance after navigating a difficult qualification campaign, with head coach Lovemore Fazili promising his side will fight for every point against the defending champions.
“When we qualified, it was not an easy task. We fought for it, and definitely we are going to do the same when we play Nigeria,” Fazili said in quotes revealed by Nyasa Times.
Madugu echoed that sentiment by acknowledging the increasing competitiveness across the continent.
“You don't want to undermine or underestimate what anybody can do,” the Super Falcons boss said ahead of Tuesday's encounter.
Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade also urged caution despite the gulf in pedigree between both nations.
“They qualified for this tournament for a reason. It shows the progress they're making,” the CAF Women's Player of the Year noted.
Justine Madugu: “Even bigger” expectations for the champions
Madugu's squad combines experienced stars with emerging talents as Nigeria attempt to retain the title they reclaimed in 2025.
Captain Ajibade, reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie and six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala provide the backbone of the team, while younger players such as Sweden-based striker Joy Omewa have been introduced following last year's success.
Omewa believes this year's tournament could surpass the excitement of the previous edition.
“The last one was really exciting to watch. All the games were really good,” she said.
“I think this year it's going to be even bigger.”
World Cup qualification remains Nigeria's first objective
While defending the WAFCON title remains a priority, Madugu's side also have one eye on qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
The four semi-finalists automatically secure qualification, making progression from Group C the immediate target.
“Our first target is to qualify for the World Cup. After that we can think of defending our title,” forward Francisca Ordega explained.
Despite Nigeria's dominance, Madugu knows the Super Falcons can no longer rely on reputation alone.
With Zambia boasting stars Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, and Malawi arriving with the dangerous Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, Nigeria's path to another continental title promises to be significantly tougher than a year ago.
The message from Madugu, however, remains clear: the champions know everyone is chasing them, and they believe they are ready for the challenge.
