WAFCON 2026: African champions Nigeria draw Zambia, Egypt, Malawi as Madugu is beaten to award

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been drawn alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi in Group C of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following Thursday’s final draw in Rabat, Soccernet.ng reports.

The ceremony ushered in a historic moment for African women’s football, with 16 teams included in the tournament draw for the first time.

Morocco will, for the third consecutive edition, host the expanded competition from 17 March to 3 April 2026, with matches staged across Rabat, Casablanca and Fes.

Nigeria, though, will be thrilled to renew their rivalry with Zambia’s Copper Queens as the draw sets up a compelling early narrative.

Zambia are fast becoming familiar opponents on the continental stage, but the Super Falcons will approach the meeting with confidence, having crushed the Copper Queens 5-0 in the quarter-finals of the 2024 tournament.

That emphatic victory was part of a commanding run that ended with Nigeria lifting the trophy for a record-extending 10th time, reaffirming their status as the dominant force in African women’s football. The Falcons went on to defeat South Africa in the semi-finals before overcoming hosts Morocco in a thrilling comeback win in the final to reclaim their continental crown.

Egypt and Malawi complete Group C, offering Nigeria a mix of familiar opposition and potential banana skins in a group that should still favour the reigning champions, but leaves little room for complacency.

Elsewhere in the draw, hosts Morocco headline Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya. Group B features former champions South Africa with Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania, while Group D pairs Ghana with Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde.

The tournament will be played at four venues: Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium and Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, and the Fez Stadium in Fes.

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Soccer Madugu snub adds edge to Nigeria’s title defence

While the Super Falcons now know the route to their title defence, Thursday also brought disappointment for Nigeria on the awards stage.

Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu missed out on the CAF Women’s Coach of the Year award, despite guiding Nigeria to their historic 10th WAFCON title. The Confederation of African Football instead named TP Mazembe coach Lamia Boumehdi as the winner, with Madugu and Morocco coach Jorge Vilda completing the final shortlist.

The decision is likely to raise eyebrows across the continent. Madugu’s achievements in the past year extended beyond continental success; he was also the only African coach nominated for the Women’s Coach of the Year at the Ballon d’Or, placing him among the global elite.

CAF also announced Moroccan forward Sanaa Mssoudy as Women’s Interclub Player of the Year, while AS FAR were named Women’s Club of the Year.

Despite the personal setback, Madugu and his team will have an immediate opportunity to respond where it matters most, on the pitch.

Nigeria will target a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup before aiming for an unprecedented 11th continental title.