Super Falcons to begin WAFCON 2026 title defence against Malawi Sunday

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will kick off their quest for an unprecedented 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title with a Group C clash against Malawi on Sunday in Morocco.

The 2026 WAFCON, initially scheduled for March, will now take place from July 26 to August 16, bringing together 16 nations to compete for Africa’s biggest women’s football prize.

As defending champions and the continent’s highest-ranked women’s national team, the Super Falcons head into the tournament as one of the favourites.

They have been drawn in Group C, where they will face Zambia, Egypt and Malawi in the race for a place in the knockout stages.

Nigeria will be aiming to maintain its dominance in African women’s football by extending its record haul of WAFCON titles to 11.

The Super Falcons will face Malawi in their opening match on July 27 before taking on Zambia on July 31 and Egypt on Aug. 4.

Coach Justin Madugu has retained a blend of experienced and emerging players for the tournament as Nigeria seeks to maintain its dominance in African women’s football.

Among the key players expected to feature are captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and forwards Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi.

Zambia are widely regarded as Nigeria’s strongest challengers in the group, with reigning BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Barbra Banda and striker Racheal Kundananji leading their attack.

Nigeria defeated Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals of the previous WAFCON tournament.

Egypt return to the competition after missing the last edition, while Malawi will make their debut at the expanded tournament.

Madugu said the team remained focused in spite of Nigeria’s successful record in the competition.

“We know every team now believes they can challenge Nigeria. We have to earn every victory through discipline, hard work and consistency,” he said.

The tournament also serves as part of the qualification process for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the World Cup, while the losing quarter-finalists will compete for two places in the intercontinental playoffs.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also increased the tournament prize money.

The winners will receive two million dollars, while the total prize fund has been increased to 5.8 million dollars, as each participating country will receive 150,000 dollars.

Host nation Morocco, runners-up at the last edition, are among the favourites for the title under coach Jorge Vilda.

South Africa, champions in 2022, and Ghana, who return after missing the previous edition, are also expected to challenge for honours.

The competition will be played at five stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca.

The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the quarter-finals, with the knockout stage scheduled to begin on Aug. 8.

Nigeria has won 10 of the 13 editions of the competition since it was introduced in 1998 and will be aiming to extend that record in Morocco. (NAN)

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