Super Falcons at WAFCON 2026: Date, squad, fixtures & everything to know about reigning champions

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have arrived in Morocco determined to defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 10-time African champions head into the 2026 tournament as favourites to win a record-extending 11th title after lifting the trophy at the last edition. However, winning another continental crown is not the team’s only objective.

Coach Justine Madugu and his players also know that WAFCON 2026 serves as Africa’s qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. A place in the semi-finals will secure one of Africa’s four automatic tickets to the global tournament.

With experienced stars such as Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and a squad packed with proven internationals, Nigeria will be expected to set the pace from the opening match.

After completing their preparations with a friendly victory over Tanzania (2-1), the Super Falcons have settled into their training base in Casablanca, ready for another title challenge.

When does WAFCON 2026 start?

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations officially begins on Sunday, July 26, and will run until the final on August 16 in Morocco.

This year’s competition is historic because it is the first WAFCON to feature 16 teams, expanding from the previous 12-nation format. The tournament will be staged mainly in Rabat and Casablanca, allowing teams to travel less between matches.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt. The Super Falcons will play all three of their group matches in Rabat, using Al Medina Stadium and the Olympic Stadium.

While the four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, teams eliminated in the quarter-finals will still have another opportunity through a pathway that could eventually lead to the intercontinental playoffs.

Super Falcons’ WAFCON 2026 fixtures

Nigeria begin their campaign against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, with kick-off scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Nigerian time at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat.

Their biggest group-stage test follows on Saturday, August 1, when they face African powerhouse Zambia at the same venue. Zambia’s recent rise has made them one of Nigeria’s main rivals for the group title.

The Super Falcons conclude the group stage on Wednesday, August 5, against Egypt at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off also fixed for 9:00 p.m. Nigerian time.

Everything to know about Nigeria’s WAFCON campaign

Coach Justine Madugu has travelled to Morocco with a 25-player squad, with every member of the team now in camp after Deborah Abiodun and Gift Monday arrived from the United States following travel delays.

The biggest absentee is defender Ashley Plumptre, who withdrew from the tournament because she has not fully recovered from injury and was not considered match fit.

Despite that setback, Nigeria still possess arguably the strongest squad at the tournament. The Super Falcons can boast the talents of six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala and captain Rasheedat Ajibade while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is still the continent’s number-one shot-stopper.

Nigeria are also chasing a significant financial reward. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a record $2 million prize for the tournament winners, making this the richest edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Hosts Morocco, former champions South Africa, West African giants Ghana and Rachael Kudananji-inspired Zambia will offer the stiffest challenge to Nigeria at the WAFCON.

Super Falcons squad to WAFCON 2026

Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor, Fatima Oloko

Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Rofiat Imuran, Shukurat Oladipo, Glory Ogbonna

Midfielders:
Deborah Abiodun, Sikiratu Isah, Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde, Rasheedat Ajibade, Jennifer Echegini, Antoinette Payne

Forwards:
Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Okoronkwo, Joy Omewa, Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Omorinsola Babajide, Francisca Ordega, Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu