Super Falcons target WAFCON title defense and World Cup qualification
Nigeria aims for WAFCON title and World Cup spot
The Super Falcons of Nigeria are set to begin their campaign in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a clear objective: to defend their continental title and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Head coach Justin Madugu stated that the team is fully prepared for the challenges ahead, emphasizing their focus on achieving these goals.
Nigeria, who are 10-time African champions, will start their title defense against tournament debutants Malawi on Tuesday, 28 July, at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat. Madugu highlighted that while the team is considered a favorite to win an 11th WAFCON title, their approach remains focused on one game at a time.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade echoed her coach’s sentiments, stressing that securing all three points in their opening match against Malawi is the primary measure of a successful performance. She noted that attractive football alone would not be sufficient without a victory. Ajibade also praised the progress of women’s football in Malawi, pointing to the qualification of the team for the tournament and the success of players like Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga in elite leagues abroad.
Squad strength and tactical approach
The Super Falcons boast a squad with established international stars. Key players expected to influence Nigeria‘s performance include captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and forward Asisat Oshoala. Other notable players in the squad are Michelle Alozie, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne, Esther Okoronkwo, Gift Monday, and Deborah Abiodun.
Esther Okoronkwo, who was a significant playmaker in the last WAFCON, is expected to provide a creative spark in attack. Her contributions in the previous tournament included scoring a penalty and setting up two goals in the final. Rasheedat Ajibade, named Player of the Tournament in the last WAFCON, will be crucial for her leadership, work rate, and ability to score important goals.
In goal, Chiamaka Nnadozie, a three-time winner of the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, offers strong shot-stopping abilities and organizational skills from the back. Midfielder Halimatu Ayinde, with four WAFCON crowns, is anticipated to provide a defensive shield and dictate the tempo of play, allowing attacking players more freedom. Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, returning from injury, brings pace and physical presence to the attack, having scored three goals in the previous edition of the tournament.
The team will, however, be without defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who is recovering from a long-term injury. Nigeria‘s preparations included a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their final warm-up match. Players Deborah Abiodun and Gift Monday reportedly overcame travel delays to join the squad in Morocco.
Tournament expansion and opponent respect
Coach Madugu welcomed the expansion of the WAFCON to 16 teams, viewing it as a positive step for women’s football development in Africa. He believes the larger tournament provides more opportunities for talented players across the continent to showcase their skills. However, he also stressed the need for continued investment in player welfare, coaching development, and sporting infrastructure to sustain the game’s growth.
Despite Malawi being debutants, Madugu dismissed any suggestion of underestimating them, describing them as a quality side. He emphasized that every team in the competition deserves respect, having earned their qualification. Nigeria‘s mentality, according to Madugu, remains focused on winning every game, regardless of the opponent.
Historically, Nigeria has faced Malawi twice at the senior women’s international level during qualification for the 2014 African Women’s Championship. The first encounter in Blantyre on June 9, 2012, resulted in a 1-1 draw. Nigeria won the return leg 2-0 in Abuja on September 7, 2013, leaving them unbeaten against Malawi with one win and one draw, scoring three goals and conceding one.
The 2026 WAFCON, featuring 16 teams, also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the four semi-finalists guaranteed spots in the tournament in Brazil. Nigeria is in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi. The match against Malawi will kick off at 9 pm Nigerian time (WAT) and will be broadcast on AfroSport and SuperSport via DStv and GOtv.
Source: premiumtimesng.com
