Nigeria Prioritise World Cup Qualification as WAFCON Kicks Off in Morocco
Coach Justine Madugu outlines strategic objectives as Super Falcons face Group C challenges from Zambia and debutants Malawi
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) commences in Morocco on Sunday, marking the first edition of the tournament to feature a record 16 nations. The expanded field competes for four automatic qualification spots for the 2027 Women's World Cup and a record first prize of US$2 million. Defending champions Nigeria, who hold ten titles, are the favourites to win under coach Justine Madugu, who has prioritised reaching the semi-finals.
Madugu has outlined a clear hierarchy of objectives for the Super Falcons. The primary goal is securing one of the four automatic World Cup berths by reaching the semi-finals, with retaining the trophy designated as a secondary aim. "Our second goal is to defend the trophy and bring it back to Nigeria," Madugu told reporters, noting that while the task is difficult, the team remains focused on achieving both objectives.
The Nigerian squad comprises 25 players from clubs in Mexico, Israel, China, and domestically with Abia Angels goalkeeper Fatima Oloko. Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie will captain the side, widely regarded as the best in Africa. Key attackers include Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jennifer Echegini, who scored the late winner in the 2024 final, alongside forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi. England-born defender Ashleigh Plumptre is absent from the squad due to injury.
Nigeria are placed in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and debutants Malawi. Zambian forward Racheal Kundananji transferred to Bay FC in 2024 for a then-world record fee, while Malawi features forwards Tabitha Chawinga (Lyon) and Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current). The tournament will be hosted across three stadiums in Rabat and two in Casablanca, with 34 matches in total.
Group A features a match between hosts Morocco and Algeria on July 30, noted for strained political relations regarding the Western Sahara dispute. Group B includes top seeds South Africa against Tanzania, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso, while Group D comprises Ghana, Cameroon, and newcomers Cape Verde. Two matches will be played between quarter-final losers to determine inter-continental World Cup play-off slots.
