Soccer
Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria Super Falcons. Copyright: Imagoxshengolpixsx
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off later this month, and Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to compete for an 11th continental crown, Soccernet.ng reports.
The team’s last outing in Morocco saw them overcome significant challenges to defeat the hosts. This year’s tournament promises to be even more significant—and historic.
It marks the first time the WAFCON will feature 16 teams, a four-team rise from the previous 12. And crucially, it serves as the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Coach Justin Madugu is expected to name his 24-woman squad in the coming days, with the roster likely to feature the core group of stars who competed in the previous tournament.
When Will Super Falcons Camp Open?
The Super Falcons will open their training camp on July 15 in Mohammedia, a coastal city in Morocco.
The team will remain there for one week before relocating to Rabat, where they will be based for at least the duration of the group stage. Any further movement will depend on their progress in the knockout rounds.
Having played two friendly matches against Cameroon last month, Coach Madugu and his squad are not expected to schedule further warm-up matches. Instead, the focus will remain strictly on fine-tuning their tactical approach for the tournament.
When is Nigeria’s First Game at WAFCON 2026?
The 2026 WAFCON officially begins in July, with Algeria facing Senegal in the opening match in Casablanca.
Nigeria has been drawn into Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi. The Super Falcons begin their campaign on July 28 against Malawi at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
They will face Zambia three days later, followed by their final group stage match against Egypt on August 5.
Given the depth and quality of the current squad, Coach Madugu will be expected to navigate the group stage successfully. The team’s primary target is at least a top-four finish, which would guarantee their qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
Kelvin Omachonu
Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.
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