2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) begins in Morocco on Sunday with a record $2 million prize for the champions and four FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification spots available for African teams.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who have won the tournament a record 10 times and are the defending champions, enter the competition as favourites after their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the last final.
Jennifer Echegini, who scored the winning goal in that memorable final, returns alongside Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi as Nigeria hopes to retain the title.
Head coach Justine Madugu has selected a 25-player squad combining experienced stars and young talents, with goalkeeper Fatima Oloko of Abia Angels being the only home-based player in the team.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Madugu said, “Our second goal is to defend the trophy and bring it back to Nigeria. We know it will not be easy because every other nation wants to depose us.”
He added, “We have in our possession something precious that everybody else wants. However, we will remain resolute and focused and try to achieve both objectives.”
Midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade will captain the Super Falcons, while Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and PSG midfielder Jennifer Echegini are expected to play key roles, although injured defender Ashleigh Plumptre misses the tournament.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and tournament debutants Malawi, with the top two teams advancing to the quarter-finals and the semi-finalists earning automatic qualification for the Women’s World Cup.
Hosts Morocco headline Group A with Algeria, Senegal and Kenya, while defending runners-up South Africa face Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in Group B, and Ghana, Cameroon and Cape Verde battle in Group D.
Five stadiums across Rabat and Casablanca will host the 34-match tournament, with the Super Falcons determined to defend their continental crown and book another place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
