The Super Falcons of Nigeria kick off their title defence on Sunday as the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) gets underway in Morocco. This edition offers a record $2 million prize pool and four automatic berths to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Expanded Format and Greater Stakes
For the first time, 16 teams will compete, up from 12 in the previous tournament. The top two from each of the four groups advance to the quarter‑finals, with the semi‑finalists securing Africa’s World Cup slots.
A Memorable Comeback to Remember
Nigeria’s last WAFCON triumph came in dramatic fashion when they overturned a two‑goal deficit to beat hosts Morocco 3‑2 in the 2024 final. Jennifer Echegini scored the late winner, while Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi added the other goals.
Coach Justine Madugu’s Dual Objectives
Head coach Justine Madugu has set two clear targets: qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup and successfully defend the WAFCON trophy. He says reaching the semi‑finals is the immediate priority, as it guarantees one of Africa’s four World Cup tickets.
“We hold something precious that every rival wants to take from us,” Madugu remarked. “We will stay focused and determined to achieve both goals.”
Squad Selection and Notable Absences
Madugu has named a 25‑player blend of experience and youth, drawing talent from clubs across Mexico, Israel, China and Europe. The only home‑based player is Abia Angels goalkeeper Fatima Oloko.
Defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who plays for Saudi side Al Ittihad, misses the tournament through injury. Paris Saint‑Germain midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade will captain the side, with teammate Jennifer Echegini looking to repeat her hero‑goal from the 2024 final.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie of Brighton & Hove Albion, widely regarded as Africa’s best shot‑stopper, also features in the roster.
Group C: Zambia, Egypt and Malawi Await
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and tournament debutants Malawi. The Copper Queens, led by world‑record‑transfer forward Racheal Kundananji and prolific scorer Barbra Banda, are expected to pose the sternest test.
Malawi may be underdogs, but they boast the Chawinga sisters—Tabitha, who plays for Lyon, and Temwa, with Kansas City Current—offering genuine attacking threat.
Morocco’s Redemption Quest
Hosts Morocco, runners‑up in the last two editions, will be eager to finally lift the trophy. They lost the 2022 final to South Africa and fell again to Nigeria in 2024. Their opening clash with Algeria on July 30 is likely to draw extra attention due to long‑standing political tensions over Western Sahara and border disputes.
Other Groups and Contenders
South Africa, the 2022 champions, top Group B and will face Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso as they aim to reclaim the crown. Equatorial Guinea, two‑time former winners, failed to qualify this year.
Group D features 2024 bronze medallists Ghana, three‑time runners‑up Cameroon and debutants Cape Verde, who hope to echo the excitement generated by their senior men’s side at the 2026 World Cup.
Tournament Logistics and Bigger Picture
Matches will be spread across five venues—three in Rabat and two in Casablanca—with a total of 34 games scheduled. In addition to the knockout rounds, two play‑off matches will be contested between quarter‑final losers to determine extra African entrants for the inter‑continental World Cup playoffs.
With an expanded field, unprecedented prize money and World Cup places on the line, the 2026 WAFCON promises to be one of the most significant editions in the competition’s history.
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