11th WAFCON Title: Nigeria On The March Again

***Begins defence against Malawi today

By Harry Awurumibe, Africa’s No.1 Women Football Journalist

After many days of preparations in Casablanca where the team played one friendly test-match against Tanzania, Nigeria’s Super Falcons will launch their campaign for an 11th African crown on today at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat in the Group C opening tie against debutants Malawi in the expanded 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) which officially started in Morocco on Sunday.

With the 14th edition of WAFCON featuring 16 nations running from July 26 to August 16, 2026 in Rabat and Casablanca, not just for regional glory, but for a direct ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, the Super Falcons have their work cut out for them.

The African record-holders who have been paired in a competitive Group C alongside fast-rising Zambia, a returning Egypt, and tournament debutants Malawi will start the match against Malawi as clear favourites to get the three points if Nigeria’s pedigree in the competition is to be considered.

Happily, Super Falcons
head coach Justine Madugu has assembled a balanced roster blending veterans with youthful energy as the gaffer is trying to refresh the squad that lifted the WAFCON trophy last time in Morocco.

The team is blessed with a world-class goalkeeper in Cynthia Chiamaka Nnadozie and captain Rasheedat Ajibade, just as the defence is rock solid with the back four of Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Shukurat Oladipo and veteran center back Osinachi Ohale.

Running things in the midfield for Nigeria will be old-war horse Halimat Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini and Deborah Abiodun while Madugu is spoil for choices upfront as Nigeria’s front-line boasts of a devastating attacking options including Asisat Lamina Oshoala, Chinwendu  Veronica Ihezuo, Joy Omewa, Gift Monday, Esther Okoronkwo, and Folashade Ijamilusi.

As the Super Falcons open their title defence today against Malawi, a side making its first appearance in the biggest women’s football tournament in Africa, they should not handle the Malawians with kid gloves.

The Super Falcons must be humble because of the standout Malawian players to watch against them today are the deadly Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha.

Temwa Chawinga is a major threat, having recently dominated as the National Women’s Super League (NWSL) Golden Boot and MVP winner in the USA, while her sister Tabitha brings world-class European experience to the attack.

Perhaps, this is why despite Nigeria’s historical dominance in the competition by winning 10 out of 13 titles since the tournament’s 1998 inception-coach Madugu remains deeply cautious.

“We know every team now believes they can challenge Nigeria,” Madugu noted.

“We have to earn every victory through discipline, hard work, and consistency”, he told the media.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s attention will quickly shift to a highly anticipated July 31 clash against old foes Zambia.

The Copper Queens boasting of global superstars Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, present Nigeria’s toughest group stage test and will be hunting for revenge after a heavy 5-0 defeat to Nigeria in the previous tournament’s quarter-finals.

Nigeria will conclude her group phase match against Egypt on August 4, a team eager to make an impact after missing out on the last edition.

However, the stakes in Morocco are higher as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has injected unprecedented financial backing into the women’s game, raising the total prize fund to $5.8 million.

The eventual champions will go home with a record $2 million, while every participating federation receives a guaranteed $150,000 baseline.

As stated earlier, beyond the financial windfall, the tournament serves as the ultimate proving ground for global qualification. The four teams that successfully navigate their way to the semi-finals will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup.

The four losing quarter-finalists will get a secondary lifeline, battling it out for two remaining spots in the intercontinental playoffs.

Indeed, it has to be said that the road to the final of 2026 WAFCON will not be easy because host nation Morocco, who have finished twice as back to back WAFCON runners-up, enter this tournament backed by their passionate home crowds and labeled as heavy favorites.

Also, the regular powerhouses Cameroon, South Africa, the 2022 champions, and a resurgent Ghana squad also possess the tactical depth to disrupt Nigeria’s ambitions.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage beginning August 8, setting up a high-octane race to the final on August 16.

Go! Ladies!!