Can Anyone Stop Africa’s Queens? With just weeks to go before the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off in Morocco, defending champions Nigeria are once again preparing for another title charge.
The Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, will be chase a record-extending 11th continental crown.
They head into the tournament as favourites after lifting the trophy in an unforgettable way last year.
Under head coach Justine Madugu, the nine-time… now 10-time continental champions are determined to defend their crown and continue their dominance on African football.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Super Falcons ahead of the biggest women’s football tournament on the continent.
Can Anyone Stop the Super Falcons?
Nigeria enter Morocco carrying the weight of expectation but also the experience of champions.
With a squad packed with established stars, exciting young talents and one of Africa’s strongest goalkeepers in Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons once again look capable of conquering the continent.
However, with the tournament expanding to 16 teams and World Cup qualification also at stake, every nation will have extra motivation to dethrone Africa’s queens.
The journey toward a record-extending 11th WAFCON title begins in Rabat and if history is any indication, the Super Falcons remain the team everyone must beat.
– Read More: Here’s the Real Reason Why WAFCON 2026 Postponed Just 12 Days Before Kickoff
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– Read More: Super Falcons Unveil Title Defence Squad for 2026 WAFCON as Nigeria Eyes Historic 11th African Crown
Final Preparations Begin in Morocco
Nigeria officially opened camp in Casablanca, Morocco’s commercial capital, on Monday as preparations intensified for the 14th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The team wasted no time getting down to work, with coach Madugu leading the squad through their first training session at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli on Tuesday afternoon.
As of Tuesday lunchtime, 10 players had already reported to the team’s base at the Hotel Marriott in Casablanca, while midfielder Toni Payne, who recently completed a move from Everton Ladies to Inter Milan Women, was expected to join the squad on Wednesday.
Among the early arrivals were
captain Rasheedat Ajibade,
star goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie,
Fatima Oloko,
defenders Oluwatosin Demehin,
Glory Ogbonna,
Christy Ucheibe,
Shukurat Oladipo and
Rofiat Imuran,
midfielder Jennifer Echegini and
veteran striker Asisat Oshoala.
Ghana Friendly to Test Falcons Before Tournament
As part of their final preparations, Nigeria will face old rivals Ghana in an international friendly on Saturday in Casablanca.
The match will also take place at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli, with kick-off scheduled for 4 p.m.
The fixture rekindles one of African women’s football’s oldest rivalries.
Ghana’s Black Queens were the runners-up in the inaugural Women’s Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Nigeria in 1998, where they lost to the Super Falcons in the final.
For Madugu, the encounter provides one final opportunity to fine-tune his squad before competitive action begins.
Group C Awaits the Defending Champions
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and tournament debutants Malawi.
The Super Falcons will begin their title defence against
Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, in Rabat
– before facing Zambia on Saturday, August 1, and
– concluding the group stage against Egypt on Wednesday, August 5.
Nigeria’s Group C Fixtures
- July 28: Nigeria vs Malawi
- August 1: Nigeria vs Zambia
- August 5: Nigeria vs Egypt
While Nigeria enter as favourites, Zambia are expected to provide the toughest challenge in the group after establishing themselves as one of Africa’s emerging women’s football powers.
What’s at Stake? More Than Just the Trophy
The 2026 WAFCON carries even greater significance than previous editions.
For the first time, the competition will feature 16 teams, making it the largest Women’s Africa Cup of Nations ever staged.
Beyond continental glory, qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazilis also on the line.
The four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the fifth-placed nation will earn a place in the intercontinental playoff tournament for one final chance to book a ticket to Brazil.
Nigeria have appeared at every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the inaugural tournament in China in 1991 and will be aiming to extend that remarkable record.
How Nigeria Became Defending Champions
The Super Falcons arrive in Morocco carrying the confidence of reigning African champions.
They claimed their historic 10th WAFCON title after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final last summer, extending their incredible dominance of women’s football on the continent.
Nigeria have now won 10 of the previous 13 editions of the competition and remain the undisputed benchmark in African women’s football.
Players to Watch
Rasheedat Ajibade (Captain)
The inspirational skipper will once again lead Nigeria’s charge. Known for her relentless work rate, leadership and creativity, Ajibade remains one of the Falcons’ most influential players.
Chiamaka Nnadozie
Widely regarded as Africa’s best goalkeeper, Nnadozie enters the tournament in outstanding form and is expected to be one of Nigeria’s biggest assets between the posts.
Asisat Oshoala
One of the greatest African footballers of all time, Oshoala brings invaluable experience, leadership and goalscoring ability to the squad.
Jennifer Echegini
The dynamic midfielder has quickly become one of Nigeria’s most exciting talents and will be expected to dictate play from midfield.
Toni Payne
Fresh from her move to Inter Milan Women, Payne’s creativity and versatility make her one of the Falcons’ key attacking threats.
Super Falcons Squad for WAFCON 2026
Goalkeepers
- Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)
- Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England)
- Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels)
Defenders
- Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico)
- Michelle Alozie (Olivia Wynn, USA)
- Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy)
- Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England)
- Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel)
- Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey)
- Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel)
- Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
Midfielders
- Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
- Halimatu Ayinde (BK Häcken, Sweden)
- Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA)
- Toni Payne (Inter Milan Women, Italy)
- Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Forwards
- Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia)
- Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA)
- Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada)
- Joy Omewa (BK Häcken, Sweden)
- Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia)
- Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China)
- Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy)
- Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico)
- Uchenna Kanu (Cruz Azul Femenil, Mexico)
The Full WAFCON 2026 Groups
Group A (Rabat)
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Senegal
- Kenya
Group B (Casablanca)
- South Africa
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Burkina Faso
- Tanzania
Group C (Rabat)
- Nigeria
- Zambia
- Egypt
- Malawi
Group D (Casablanca)
- Ghana
- Cameroon
- Mali
- Cape Verde
