WAFCON
Super Falcons’ Jennifer Echegini braces for her first WAFCON experience
Jennifer Echegini, who scored Nigeria’s only goal in the 3-1 loss to Japan at Paris 2024, got herself into the record book. Her 42nd-minute goal that initially reduced the tally to 2-1 became the first Super Falcons player to score at the Olympic Games after 16 years.
Before then, the last Nigerian woman to score in the Olympic Games was Perpetua Nkwocha, who converted a 19th-minute penalty kick against Brazil in an eventual 3-1 loss. As it was 16 years earlier, the Super Falcons at Paris 2024 ended their adventure with another 3-1 loss.
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Echegini, who is a revelation at PSG since her arrival in 2024, is about to play in her very first Women’s Cup of Nations with Nigeria. She was born in the Netherlands and grew up between England and the United States.
In a chat with CAFonline, Echegini confirmed that her heart has always been with Nigeria despite having options of the Netherlands, the US and England.
Hear her: “People often reduce us to just our speed. But we have so much more to offer,” warns the Parisian midfielder, determined to break stereotypes.”
At 24, the upcoming Africa Women’s Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will be her first. Jennifer Echegini approaches it with the maturity of a player who has already faced the pressure of the Olympics and the World Cup.
But for her, the WAFCON is more than just another tournament: it’s a source of pride, a responsibility, a deep connection to the history and soul of Nigerian football.
Arriving in Paris in the summer of 2024, the Super Falcon quickly made her mark in an elite squad. “She creates danger every time she touches the ball,” praises teammate Grace Geyoro.
Behind her technical skills and game intelligence lies an unusual journey: born in Nijmegen, Netherlands, trained in England and the U.S, Echegini has always carried the desire to represent Nigeria. “It’s a conviction that has always driven me,” she says.
Today, she shares the PSG locker room with other African talents like Agueissa Diarra (Mali) and Merveille Kanjinga (DR Congo). Her advice?
“Believe in yourself, no matter where you come from. In Paris, only discipline and passion matter.”
A powerful message from a player who refuses clichés:
“We’re often reduced to speed or power, but African women’s football is so much more than that.”
With only a few weeks to go before the Women’s AFCON kicks off in Morocco (July 5–26), Jennifer Echegini is ready to step into the spotlight:
“This tournament brings a different intensity, a unique emotion. It’s our legacy,” she says with determination.
CAFOnline.com: Since July, you’ve been playing for PSG. What do you appreciate most about your new life in Paris?
Jennifer Echegini: There are so many things I love here. What stands out the most is being able to train every day alongside exceptional players.
Every session is a learning moment. Some of them I used to admire on TV when I was younger, so now sharing the field with them and learning from them is such a rich experience.
You were the first African player to join PSG. What message did you share with Agueissa Diarra (Mali) and Merveille Kanjinga (DR Congo), your two African teammates, when they joined?
I told them to believe in themselves. It doesn’t matter where you come from—your background should never limit you. Being from a particular country or region doesn’t define your value.
What matters is what you show on the field. At PSG, we’re all on the same level, in the same locker room, and we have to fight for what we want. Self-belief is the key.
Paris has recently invested in several African players, including yourself. What do you think about this trend, and what impact can it have on the development of women’s football in Africa?
I’m proud that European clubs are starting to take us seriously. Too often, African players are reduced to just strength or speed, but we have so much more to offer the game.
This recognition changes things. It sends a strong message to young girls across the continent: if we made it, they can too. They shouldn’t limit themselves to stereotypical traits.
At 24, you’ve already played in the World Cup and the Olympics… and now you’re preparing for your first Women’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations. What does this tournament mean to you?
It’s very special. I’ve been in major international competitions, but I haven’t played in an WAFCON yet.
This will be my first time, and I’m very excited. I watched the last edition two years ago and already thought: “One day, it’ll be my turn.” Now that moment is here. It’s a different atmosphere, a different energy.
Representing my country on the African continent is a huge honour. The Women’s AFCON is about history, culture, emotion. I can’t wait to live it from the inside.
Nigeria will play in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. How do you assess this group?
It’s a tough group. On paper, we’re the favourites, clearly. But in this kind of tournament, that doesn’t mean anything. No team should be taken lightly. We’ll need to be focused from the first minute and never underestimate the opposition.
What role do you expect to play for the Super Falcons during this AFCON?
I’m a midfielder, so my role is to create, organize, and also score when I can. I want to be a constant support for my teammates across all areas of the pitch. Nothing complicated—just doing what I know how to do. Simply being useful.
Nigeria is a powerhouse on the continent, with a rich history in this competition. How do you handle the pressure of always needing to win?
We live with it. The pressure has always been there. When you wear the Nigerian jersey, you know the expectations are sky-high. But that’s a good thing, really. It’s those standards that shape who we are. Nigeria has won this competition multiple times. As the new generation, it’s our duty to carry on that tradition. So yes, there’s pressure. But everyone—the fans, the staff, us—wants the same thing: victory.
With increased media coverage, do you sense a change in how African fans view women’s football?
Definitely. I’ve been with the team for three years now, and I see real progress. There’s more coverage, more interest, more visibility.
This tournament has always been important, but it didn’t get talked about enough. Today, things are changing—and that’s excellent. The more people understand the importance of this competition, the more African women’s football will grow.
What message do you want to send to young African girls watching you from Lagos, Cotonou, or Abidjan, dreaming of following in your footsteps?
I’d simply tell them to believe in themselves and never stop working hard. Every journey is unique. I’m Nigerian, but I wasn’t born in Nigeria. I grew up in the Netherlands, in the UK, spent time in the US… My story is different from some of my teammates who grew up in Lagos or Abuja.
But that’s the point: no matter where you come from, the path may be different, but the destination can be the same. We can all reach the top level, each in our own way.
You have to believe in yourself and never doubt. You set your own ceiling. If you tell yourself you won’t make it, then you won’t. Don’t let anyone convince you that you can’t. Work hard, believe in yourself, and go for it.
Related Story: Jennifer Echegini makes record in Super Falcons’ defeat to Japan– https://sportsvillagesquare.com/2024/07/31/jennifer-echegini-makes-record-in-super-falcons-defeat-to-japan/
-CAFonline
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African women’s national teams are stepping up preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, with a packed April FIFA international window offering a crucial opportunity to assess strengths and refine tactics.
With the continental tournament just months away, teams across Africa are engaging in a mix of regional friendlies and intercontinental fixtures as part of the FIFA Series, aiming to build momentum and test combinations.
Clearly stated ambitions
From 10 April, Botswana will get proceedings underway against Saudi Arabia.
The following day, Tunisia face Benin in a fixture that should offer the Carthage Eagles an opportunity to explore new attacking options against an opponent known for their defensive discipline.
A day later, Morocco host Tanzania in one of the standout fixtures of the window. The Atlas Lionesses, who have enjoyed an impressive run in recent years, face a Tanzanian side eager to continue its upward trajectory.
On 14 April, attention turns to a series of high-profile encounters. South Africa meet Algeria in a clash of contrasting styles, with Banyana Banyana’s intensity and pace set against Algeria’s structured and technical approach.
Elsewhere, Egypt take on Saudi Arabia in a match that offers both sides a chance to strengthen their credentials on the international stage, while Benin face Comoros in what promises to be an open and competitive contest.
Adjustments and confirmations expected
The fixtures continue on 16 April, when Tunisia meet Comoros in another test of their readiness against an improving opponent.
On 17 April, South Africa and Algeria renew their rivalry in a second encounter, providing both teams with an opportunity to adapt tactically. Morocco also face Ghana in a high-profile meeting between two of the continent’s most competitive sides.
The series concludes on 19 April with a second meeting between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, offering further insights into both teams’ progress
FIFA Series: a global revealer
Beyond African match-ups, the FIFA Series 2026 has expanded the scope of preparations by pitting African teams against global opposition.
Ivory Coast set the tone with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Mauritania on 9 April, underlining their attacking strength.
On 11 April, Kenya host a mini-tournament in Nairobi featuring Australia, Malawi and India, while Zambia face a stern test against Canada in Brazil.
The following day sees DR Congo take on Indonesia in Thailand, while Mauritania face Pakistan and Ivory Coast meet Turks and Caicos in Abidjan.
Zambia continue their demanding schedule with matches against Brazil on 15 April and South Korea on 18 April, providing valuable experience against top-tier opposition.
A crucial testing ground
The April window represents a key phase in preparations, allowing coaches to experiment, assess squad depth and fine-tune strategies ahead of WAFCON 2026.
With competitive fixtures across continents, African teams are gaining vital exposure and experience — all with the aim of peaking when the continent’s biggest women’s football tournament begins later this year.
Friendly matches in April 2026:
April 10
Saudi Arabia 1–1 Botswana
Scorers: Seba Tawfiq (90+7) / Laone Moloi (28’)
April 12
Tunisia 1-0 Benin
Scorer : M. Houij (90′)
April 13
Senegal 1-0 Burkina Faso
Scorer : S. Ngaye Pene (2′)
Morocco 3-0 Tanzania
Scorers : S.Mssoudy (2′, 77′), Y.Mrabet (80′)
April 14
South Africa vs Algeria
Saudi Arabia vs Egypt
Benin vs Comoros
April 16
Tunisia vs Comoros
April 17
South Africa vs Algeria
Morocco vs Mali
April 19
Saudi Arabia vs Egypt
FIFA Series 2026:
April 9, 2026
Ivory Coast 8-0 Mauritania – Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe
April 11, 2026
Australia 5-0 Malawi – Nairobi
Scorers : E. van Egmond (5″), S. Kerr (41″), A. Chidiac (60″), H. McNamara (86″), L. McKenna (90+4)
Kenya 2-0 India – Nairobi
Scorers: M. Emedot (2′) T. Obunya (55′)
Canada 4-0 Zambia – Brazil
Scorers :N. Prince (41′, 45+1), A. Chukwu (81′, 88′)
April 12, 2026
Indonesia 1-7 DR Congo – Thailand
Scorers: C. Scheunemann (7′) / M. Kajinga (23′, 59′), F. Mawete (29′, 74′), M. Kasaj (45+6) O. Massombo (52′), J. Feza (82′)
Mauritania 1-0 Pakistan – Abidjan
Scorer : R. Gengui (21′)
Turks and Caicos 1-15 Ivory Coast – Abidjan
Scorers : I. Moline (28′)/ A.Diallo (6′ 10′ 23′ 42′),P. Kreto (12′ 22′ 27′ 47′ 52′), R. Kouassi (32′), S.Kokora (45′), A. Koko (45+1), I. Konan (78′ 83′), A. Abrogoua (90+3)
April 15, 2026
Brazil vs Zambia – Brazil
India vs Malawi – Kenya (Third-place match – FIFA Series 2026 Kenya)
Kenya vs Australia – Kenya (Final – FIFA Series 2026 Kenya)
Thailand vs DR Congo –Thailand (Final – FIFA Series 2026 Thailand),
April 16, 2026
Ivory Coast vs Pakistan – Abidjan
Turks and Caicos vs Mauritania – Abidjan
April 18, 2026
South Korea vs Zambia – Brazil
-Cafonline
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By Kunle Solaja.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed, with Africa’s football governing body announcing new dates for the tournament in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition. It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.
CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.
In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.
Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 edition of the tournament, is expected to leverage its modern stadium infrastructure and growing reputation as a major football events destination to deliver another high-profile competition.
CAF expressed confidence that the revised schedule will allow all stakeholders to adequately prepare for the tournament.
“Preparations for the WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the governing body stated.
The tournament will bring together Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental supremacy, with the rescheduling expected to give organisers additional time to ensure optimal preparations for the event.
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The Confederation of African Football has announced that it will issue an official communication within the next 48 hours regarding the situation surrounding the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
In a brief message posted on social media, CAF indicated that the matter has been under extensive discussion in recent weeks and is currently receiving urgent attention at the highest levels of the organisation.
“CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There have been several discussions over the past weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” the confederation stated.
Although CAF did not provide specific details about the issue under review, the statement suggests that senior officials within the continental governing body are working toward a resolution.
The development has sparked anticipation across the African football community, particularly among national teams preparing for the women’s continental championship.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to clarify the circumstances and outline the next steps for the tournament when it releases its official update within the stipulated timeframe.
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