A presidentially boosted Nigeria Super Falcons are back on Africa's biggest stage with the clear target to win the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) once again, Soccernet.ng reports.
The reigning champions travel to Morocco as the most successful team in the competition's history, having already lifted the trophy 10 times. Another triumph would see them extend that record with an 11th continental title.
This year's tournament also has more at stake as it serves as Africa's qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. Any team that reaches the semi-finals will automatically book one of the continent's four places at the global tournament.
Head coach Justine Madugu has named an experienced squad that includes captain Rasheedat Ajibade, six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. After rounding off their preparations with a 2-1 friendly victory over Tanzania, the Falcons have settled into their camp in Casablanca ahead of the competition.
WAFCON 2026: Dates, format and Nigeria's group
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on July 26 and will end with the final on August 16 in Morocco.
This edition is a landmark one because, for the first time, 16 countries will compete instead of the previous 12. Most matches will be played in Rabat and Casablanca, reducing the amount of travel for the participating teams.
Nigeria have been placed in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt. All of their group-stage matches will be played in Rabat at either Al Medina Stadium or the Olympic Stadium.
While reaching the semi-finals guarantees qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup, teams knocked out in the quarter-finals will still have another chance to fight for a place through the qualification pathway leading to the intercontinental playoffs.
Nigeria's group-stage schedule
The Super Falcons open their campaign against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, with kick-off set for 9:00 p.m. Nigerian time at Al Medina Stadium.
Their second match could decide who finishes top of the group. Nigeria face a rapidly improving Zambia side on Saturday, August 1, again at Al Medina Stadium.
The group stage ends on Wednesday, August 5, when the Falcons take on Egypt at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Kick-off is also scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Nigerian time.
WAFCON: Super Falcons biggest foes
Although Nigeria begin as favourites, they are expected to face stiff competition. Several nations head to the WAFCON with the quiet ambition of unseating the Super Falcons and claiming the title of the African queens. The fiercest of those challengers is hosts Morocco, who have finished as runners up in each of the last two editions of the tournament.
South Africa's Banyana Banyana, the second highest-ranked team at the tournament, will look to reclaim the crown they won for the first and only time in 2022. They defeated Nigeria on the road to that success and they will be confident they can repeat the trick.
2022 bronze medal winner Zambia and 2024 third-place finishers Ghana as well as Senegal also boast the talent to pull off an upset on any given day.
If the Super Falcons can overcome those challenges, they will not only defend their African crown but also secure their place at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Key players and squad update
Super Falcons boss Madugu has travelled with a 25-player squad after Deborah Abiodun and Gift Monday finally linked up with the team following travel delays from the United States.
One notable player missing from the squad is defender Ashley Plumptre, who was ruled out after failing to recover fully from injury in time for the tournament.
Even without Plumptre, Nigeria still have arguably the strongest squad in Africa. Oshoala brings years of experience in front of goal, Ajibade leads the team as captain, while Nnadozie has won Africa's Best Goalkeeper award three years in a row.
There is also a major financial reward on offer. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will hand the champions a record $2 million prize, making WAFCON 2026 the richest edition of the tournament.
Super Falcons squad to WAFCON 2026
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie
Comfort Erhabor
Fatima Oloko
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale
Oluwatosin Demehin
Michelle Alozie
Rofiat Imuran
Shukurat Oladipo
Glory Ogbonna
Midfielders:
Deborah Abiodun
Sikiratu Isah
Christy Ucheibe
Halimatu Ayinde
Rasheedat Ajibade
Jennifer Echegini
Antoinette Payne
Forwards:
Folashade Ijamilusi
Esther Okoronkwo
Joy Omewa
Asisat Oshoala
Chinwendu Ihezuo
Omorinsola Babajide
Francisca Ordega
Gift Monday
Uchenna Kanu
