Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin their campaign to retain the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title on Tuesday with a Group stage clash against Malawi at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The nine-time African champions will be aiming for a winning start as they begin another quest for continental glory in the tournament.
The 2026 WAFCON kicked off on Sunday, July 26, and will run until August 16, with several of Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for the title.
Hosts Morocco made an impressive start to the competition by defeating Kenya 4-0 in the opening match, while Algeria also secured a winning start with a 2-0 victory over Senegal in the other fixture played on Sunday.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria are in Group C alongside Malawi, Egypt and Zambia as they target an 11th continental crown.
They won the last edition of the WAFCON after coming from a 2-0 down to beat Morocco 3-2 in the final.
Super Falcons coach, Justine Madugu has already named his 25-woman squad that includes the likes of Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Esther Okoronkwo, and Michelle Alozie.
Madugu’s side head to the game after defeating Tanzania 2-1 in a friendly encounter in Casablanca last Friday.
The Leader Nigeria takes a look at the chances of Super Falcons qualifying from Group C and probably going all the way to retain the title this year.
Speaking with The Leader Nigeria on Monday, media consultant and football development expert, Ibrahim Lawal, insisted that the Super Falcons have a very good chance of defending the WAFCON title.
“The Super Falcons have a very good chance of qualifying from Group C and defending their WAFCON title. Nigeria is the defending champion and remains one of the strongest teams in African women’s football,” Lawal said.
“With experienced players who featured in last year’s title-winning campaign, the team has the quality, maturity, and winning mentality needed to progress from the group stage.
“Although Zambia will be a strong opponent, Nigeria should be the favourites against Malawi and Egypt if they perform to their potential.
“If the Super Falcons maintain their discipline, experience, and teamwork, they have every chance of reaching the knockout stage and going all the way to successfully retain the WAFCON trophy they won last year after defeating Morocco 3–2 in the final,” he added.
Also, speaking with The Leader Nigeria, respected Lagos-based journalist, Femi Fabunmi, warned that the Super Falcons need to be careful because all eyes are on them, having won the last WAFCON.
“When it comes to female football in Africa, Nigeria’s Super Falcons are the biggest,” Fabunmi said.
“They won an unprecedented 10 titles and are not relenting. Mission accomplished is very possible, but it will be difficult. All eyes are on them, and they must be careful.
“Super Falcons have what it takes to retain their title, which they won on Moroccan soil. They still parade almost the same set of players, but there is Morocco and one or two teams that can play spoilers.
“They are the best in Africa, and they should make it reflect by winning their 11th title,” he stated.
