Former Super Falcons coach Rolandson Odey believes Nigeria has everything needed to successfully defend the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title and book a place at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 2026 WAFCON also serves as Africa's final qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification for the global competition.
Nigeria arrive in Morocco as the defending champions after beating hosts Morocco's Atlas Lionesses in last year's dramatic final to lift a record-extending 10th WAFCON trophy. The Super Falcons remain the most successful team in the history of the tournament and will once again be among the favourites to win the title.
Odey believes the current squad has the right balance of quality, experience and continuity to repeat that success.
“I believe this Super Falcons team has what it takes to retain the WAFCON title and qualify for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup. The quality is there, and the experience is there,” Odey said as per Sports247.
The veteran tactician pointed to the stability within the squad as the Super Falcons' biggest strength. Most of the players who helped the Super Falcons win the title last year remain in the team, while several new faces have been added to increase competition and improve the overall quality of the squad.
He also praised the early preparations in Casablanca, where players have already reported to camp, giving head coach Justine Madugu and his technical staff enough time to work on tactics, fitness and team chemistry before the tournament begins.
“Most of the players who won the last tournament are still together, and the new additions have improved the squad. With preparations already underway, I’m confident the team will be ready when the competition begins,” he added.
Nigeria's final test before the tournament comes on Saturday, July 18, when the Super Falcons face long-time rivals Ghana's Black Queens in the latest chapter of the often fiercely contested “Jollof Derby” at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 pm WAT, with the match expected to provide both teams with a final opportunity to fine-tune their tactics before the competition officially starts.
Kanu confident Super Falcons can remain Africa's best
Experienced Nigeria international forward Uchenna Kanu has echoed Odey's confidence, insisting the Super Falcons have both the mentality and talent to defend their continental crown.
The 29-year-old Cruz Azul of Liga MX Femenil striker was included in Madugu's final 25-player squad alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade, six-time African Women's Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe and Toni Payne. The only major absentee is defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who misses the tournament because of injury.
Having represented Nigeria at the FIFA Women's World Cup, the Olympic Games and several previous WAFCON tournaments, Kanu believes the experience within the squad gives the Super Falcons a major advantage over their rivals.
“We have everything it takes to retain our title. This team has the quality, the experience and the mentality to keep winning championships,” Kanu said.
The striker said the players understand the responsibility that comes with wearing Nigeria's colours and are determined to continue the country's dominance in African women's football. Kanu also described representing Nigeria as the greatest honour of her career and said the team is fully focused on another successful campaign.
“Representing Nigeria is always a special feeling. We’re looking forward to another successful tournament, and our focus is on making the country proud once again,” she added.
After the Ghana friendly, the Super Falcons will turn their attention to Group C, where they begin their WAFCON title defence against Malawi on July 28 before taking on Zambia and Egypt.
