No nation has dominated African women’s football quite like Nigeria. The Super Falcons head to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco aiming for a record-extending 11th continental crown after winning 10 of the 13 editions contested since 1998. Their remarkable consistency has established them as the undisputed powerhouse of the women’s game on the continent, with only Equatorial Guinea and South Africa managing to interrupt their reign over the past three decades.
The 2026 WAFCON will be staged from July 26 to August 16 after being postponed by four and a half months from its original March schedule. The expanded 16-team tournament will be hosted in Rabat and Casablanca, where Africa’s finest women’s national teams will compete not only for continental glory but also for qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will automatically secure places at the global showpiece.
Nigeria enters the competition carrying the expectations that come with its unrivalled record. The Super Falcons have lifted the trophy in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2025, making them by far the most successful side in WAFCON history. That extraordinary dominance ensures every edition begins with Nigeria as the team every opponent wants to dethrone.
Head coach Justine Madugu has assembled a formidable 25-player squad blending proven experience with emerging talent. The team has been preparing in Casablanca ahead of another title challenge, with confidence boosted by a squad packed with international stars.
Three-time African Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie provides security between the posts, while captain Rasheedat Ajibade is expected to lead from the front with her creativity and leadership. Up front, veteran striker Asisat Oshoala remains one of Africa’s most feared forwards, bringing experience, goals and a winning mentality to an already potent attack.
Nigeria has, however, suffered one notable setback with influential defender Ashleigh Plumptre ruled out through injury. The return of Esther Okoronkwo after recovering from a meniscus injury offers timely reinforcement, adding further quality and depth to an attack already regarded as one of the strongest in the tournament.
Drawn in Group C, the Super Falcons will open their campaign against Malawi on July 28 before taking on Zambia in what is widely expected to be their toughest group-stage assignment. The Copper Queens will be eager to avenge the emphatic 5-0 defeat they suffered against Nigeria in the previous edition. Nigeria will conclude the group stage against Egypt on August 5.
While defending champions South Africa remain formidable opponents and hosts Morocco will look to capitalize on home support after finishing runners-up previously, Nigeria’s unmatched pedigree continues to set the benchmark. With 10 titles from the last 13 editions and another World Cup qualification campaign on the line, the Super Falcons arrive in Morocco determined to reaffirm their status as the undisputed queens of African football by extending their historic legacy with an 11th WAFCON crown.
