Nigeria Set to Break WAFCON Record as They Chase World Cup Spot
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is set to break a record with a 16-nation line-up, up from 12 at the previous edition. The competition kicks off in Morocco on Sunday with qualification for the World Cup and a record two-million-dollar first prize on the line.
The last success of the Super Falcons was spectacular. Trailing Morocco by two goals at half-time, they stormed back with Jennifer Echegini scoring the late winner in a 3-2 triumph.
The 2026 WAFCON will feature a mix of experience and youth from clubs as far apart as Mexico, Israel and China. Nigeria coach Justine Madugu has chosen a 25-strong team for the competition.
Madugu has set two clear goals for the Falcons: reaching the semi-finals and clinching one of four World Cup places automatically reserved for Africa. "Our second goal is to defend the trophy and bring it back to Nigeria," he said. "We know it will not be easy because every other nation wants to depose us."
The team boasts a mix of experience and youth, with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Echegini, Canada-based Esther Okoronkwo and fellow forward Folashade Ijamilusi, who plays in China, all set to make an impact.
Nigeria are in Group C with powerful Zambia, organised Egypt and debutants Malawi. Zambian Racheal Kundananji moved from Madrid CFF to American club Bay FC in 2024 for what was then a world record transfer fee.
The Morocco-Algeria fixture on July 30 could be a tense affair given the severely strained political relations between the north African neighbours. The core of this long-standing rivalry revolves around the disputed, phosphate-rich territory of Western Sahara, as well as historical border disputes.
The competition will be held in three stadiums in the capital, Rabat, and two in the commercial hub, Casablanca, with 34 games scheduled, including two matches between quarter-final losers for inter-continental World Cup play-off slots.
The stakes are high for the Super Falcons, who are looking to make history by winning a record fifth WAFCON title. With a strong team and a clear strategy, they are well-placed to achieve their goals.
The competition will get underway on Sunday, with the Super Falcons set to face off against Zambia in their opening match.
Source: Yahoo Sports