Defending champions Nigeria will begin their quest for an unprecedented 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title as the 2026 tournament kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, with World Cup qualification and a record $2 million winners’ prize at stake.
The expanded 16-team competition, up from 12 teams in the previous edition, will see Africa’s best women’s national teams battle for continental glory and four automatic qualification spots for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons enter the tournament as favourites after their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the 2024 final. Jennifer Echegini’s late winner sealed the title, with Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi also on the scoresheet.
The trio return for this year’s championship, where head coach Justine Madugu has set clear objectives.
“Our first target is to reach the semi-finals and secure a World Cup ticket. After that, our mission is to successfully defend the WAFCON title and bring the trophy back to Nigeria,” Madugu said.
The coach has named a 25-player squad blending experienced internationals and emerging talents from clubs across Europe, Asia, and North America. Home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko of Abia Angels is the only Nigeria Women’s Football League player included.
However, the Super Falcons will be without defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who misses the tournament through injury. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade will lead a star-studded squad that also features Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jennifer Echegini and Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and debutants Malawi. Zambia, led by prolific forwards Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda, are expected to provide the Falcons’ biggest challenge in the group.
Host nation Morocco headline Group A with Algeria, Senegal and Kenya, while reigning champions South Africa top Group B, which also includes Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. Group D features Ghana, Cameroon, Cape Verde and another competing nation.
Since the tournament’s inception in 1998, Nigeria have dominated African women’s football, winning 10 of the 13 WAFCON titles. Only Equatorial Guinea (twice) and South Africa (once) have interrupted the Super Falcons’ reign.
A total of 34 matches will be played across five stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca, with the tournament offering not only continental supremacy but also a place at the next FIFA Women’s World Cup and the richest prize money in WAFCON history.
