"Super Falcons Chase 11th WAFCON Title as Rivals Aim to Overtake Nigeria"

Nigeria has touched down in Morocco for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, carrying the familiar weight of expectation. Fresh from a record-breaking run that produced a 10th WAFCON title in Morocco last July — a campaign billed as “Mission X” — the Super Falcons arrive as the team to beat in African women’s football.

Their immediate task is straightforward but stiff: defend the crown they last successfully retained in 2018, the final year of their three-in-a-row. Head coach Justin Madugu, architect of last year’s triumph that ended with a 3-2 win over the hosts, warned that being champions brings extra attention. “Now that we are champions, every other team will want to bring you down,” he told BBC Sport Africa. “It's not going to be easy. We are quite aware of that, and we are going to be fully ready.”

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Nigeria kick off their campaign against WAFCON debutants Malawi on Tuesday, before meeting Zambia and Egypt in Group C. Assistant coach and four-time WAFCON winner Ann Chiejine echoed Madugu’s caution: “Every country wants to beat Nigeria. That is why we must up our game by making sure we train harder.”

The squad blends star power with youth. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was named the tournament’s best player last year, alongside African goalkeeper of the year Chiamaka Nnadozie and six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, will supply experience and leadership. Young prospects have also been given a chance, including Swedish-based striker Joy Omewa, who watched the last tournament from abroad and described it as “really exciting.” “I think this year it's going to be even bigger,” she said.

Historically dominant, Nigeria are one of just three nations to have lifted the WAFCON trophy and have won 10 of the 13 editions since 1998. Only Equatorial Guinea (2008, 2012) and South Africa (2022) have interrupted their run. This year’s competition is deeper — expanded from 12 to 16 teams — and carries extra significance as it doubles as qualification for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will secure World Cup spots.

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“Our first target is to qualify for the World Cup. After that we can think of defending our title,” winger Francisca Ordega said. “We are not under any kind of pressure. We can hold our own against any team across Africa.”

Nigeria’s consistency on the global stage is notable: they’ve represented Africa at every Women’s World Cup since 1991. And as the continent’s standard rises, margins are getting tighter. “If we are now being beaten by penalty shootout, or 1-0, 2-0, it means that the graph is rising,” Chiejine said.

The tournament also features first-timers Cape Verde and Malawi. Although Malawi sit 153rd in the world rankings — compared with Nigeria at 36th — the Scorchers pack a potent attack led by sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga. Tabitha, the elder sibling, helped Lyon to a fifth straight French title last season, while Temwa has twice claimed the NWSL golden boot and MVP with Kansas City Current.

Zambia will also pose a threat, boasting experienced forwards Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, both of whom ply their trade in the United States. Madugu reminded reporters on the eve of the opener that no opponent should be underestimated, and Ajibade added that Malawi’s presence at the tournament underlines the progress being made across African women’s football. 

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