WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons Eye Historic 11th African Title

The competition has been expanded to feature 16 teams, four more than the previous edition, making it the largest WAFCON tournament in history. Nigeria enters the championship as defending champions and the most successful nation in the history of the competition, having won the title 10 times.

The Super Falcons secured their previous triumph in dramatic fashion after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in the 2024 final. Nigeria staged a remarkable comeback after trailing by two goals at halftime, with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jennifer Echegini scoring the decisive goal to complete the turnaround.

Esther Okoronkwo and China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi were also on the scoresheet in that memorable final and are expected to play key roles as Nigeria begins another quest for continental success.

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has set two major objectives for the team — securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and successfully defending the WAFCON title.

Madugu revealed that reaching the semi-finals is the immediate priority, as that stage would guarantee Nigeria one of Africa’s automatic qualification slots for the global tournament. He acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed confidence that the team can retain the trophy.

For the tournament, Madugu has selected a 25-player squad featuring a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents based in clubs across different countries, including Mexico, Israel and China. Abia Angels goalkeeper Fatima Oloko is the only home-based player included in the squad.

However, Nigeria will be without England-born defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who misses the competition due to injury. Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade will captain the team, while Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is expected to provide leadership and stability between the posts.

Jennifer Echegini will also be aiming to recreate her heroics from the previous final as the Falcons pursue another championship victory.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and tournament debutants Malawi. The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals.

Zambia is expected to provide Nigeria’s toughest challenge in the group, with the Copper Queens boasting dangerous attacking options, including Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda, two of Africa’s most feared forwards.

Malawi, despite being considered underdogs, will also pose a threat with the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, leading their attack. Tabitha plays for French giants Lyon, while Temwa represents Kansas City Current in the United States.

Hosts Morocco will compete in Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya as they continue their search for a first WAFCON title. The Atlas Lionesses reached consecutive finals in 2022 and 2024 but lost to South Africa and Nigeria respectively.

South Africa, the 2022 champions, headline Group B alongside Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso as they begin their attempt to reclaim the continental crown.

Equatorial Guinea, two-time winners of the tournament, failed to qualify for this year’s competition, leaving Nigeria, South Africa and Equatorial Guinea as the only nations to have lifted the WAFCON trophy.

Group D features Ghana, Cameroon and debutants Cape Verde, with all teams hoping to make a strong impression in the expanded tournament.

The 2026 WAFCON will be hosted across five stadiums in Morocco, with venues located in Rabat and Casablanca. A total of 34 matches will be played throughout the competition.

The tournament will also introduce additional playoff opportunities for teams eliminated in the quarter-finals as African nations continue their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

With a record prize fund, expanded participation and World Cup qualification on the line, the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is set to be one of the most competitive editions in the tournament’s history.