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Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin their quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title when they face Malawi in their opening Group C fixture on Sunday in Morocco.
The 2026 tournament, postponed from its original March schedule, will run from July 26 to August 16, with 16 nations competing for continental honours and qualification spots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Defending champions Nigeria enter the competition as Africa’s highest-ranked women’s national team and have been drawn alongside Zambia, Egypt and tournament debutants Malawi.
After Sunday’s opener against Malawi, the Super Falcons will face Zambia on July 31 before concluding the group stage against Egypt on August 4.
Head coach Justin Madugu has retained a balanced squad combining experienced internationals with emerging talents as Nigeria seek to preserve their dominance in African women’s football.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade will lead a squad that includes goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi.
Nigeria are expected to face their toughest challenge in the group against Zambia, whose attack is spearheaded by reigning BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Barbra Banda and prolific striker Racheal Kundananji. The Super Falcons, however, hold the psychological advantage after defeating Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals of the previous WAFCON.
Despite Nigeria’s remarkable record in the competition, Madugu insisted his team would not underestimate any opponent.
“We know every team now believes they can challenge Nigeria. We have to earn every victory through discipline, hard work and consistency,” the coach said.
Beyond continental glory, the tournament also offers a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the tournament in Brazil, while the four losing quarter-finalists will compete for two places in the intercontinental play-offs.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also significantly increased the tournament’s financial rewards. The champions will receive $2 million, while the total prize fund has risen to $5.8 million. Each participating country is guaranteed $150,000.
Hosts Morocco, runners-up at the last edition under coach Jorge Vilda, are among the favourites alongside former champions South Africa and returning Ghana. Matches will be staged across five venues in Rabat and Casablanca, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the quarter-finals beginning on August 8.
Nigeria remain the most successful nation in WAFCON history, having won 10 of the 13 editions since the competition was introduced in 1998, and will be aiming to further cement that legacy in Morocco.
