WAFCON
WAFCON 2024 Quarterfinal: Super Falcons Ready for Zambia Showdown — Coach Madugu
Nigeria’s Head Coach, Justine Madugu, says the Super Falcons are mentally, psychologically, and tactically primed for Friday’s blockbuster Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinal clash against Zambia’s Copper Queens.
Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated encounter at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Madugu expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and focus, stating that the Nigerian side has studied their Zambian opponents and are leaving nothing to chance.
“We are working on our strategies both offensively and defensively,” Madugu said. “We’ve watched Zambia play, we’ve analysed their strengths and weaknesses individually and as a unit. We know their key players and the threats they pose if given space. Our players are fully aware — there will be no room for errors.”
The encounter, which kicks off at 5:00 p.m. local time (same as Nigerian time), is being described by analysts as a potential tournament-defining fixture — a clash that could reshape the power dynamics in African women’s football.
Madugu emphasized the importance of focus and belief as Nigeria edges closer to what he described as “Mission X” — a bid to capture a record-extending 10th continental title.
“We must be alert at all times, have self-belief and confidence, and be motivated to achieve victory. Every player understands the task at hand,” he added.
High Stakes, Fierce Rivals
Nigeria, the most successful team in WAFCON history, are seeking to reassert their dominance after emerging from a solid group stage campaign. Zambia, meanwhile, are widely seen as one of the continent’s rising forces, having earned respect with their consistent growth and eye-catching performances in recent tournaments.
Friday’s quarterfinal is expected to produce fireworks — and the implications go beyond just qualification. A win for either team would send a clear message about who holds sway in African women’s football.
The victor will move on to face the winner of another heavyweight clash between reigning champions South Africa and Senegal.
The other semifinal bracket features host nation Morocco and Algeria, adding more intrigue to a tournament that has delivered drama and quality in equal measure.
For Nigeria, victory on Friday would not only take them one step closer to a 10th title but would also reaffirm their pedigree as the team to beat on the continent — a legacy they’ve built since the inaugural edition of the competition in 1998.
As the countdown continues, all eyes turn to Casablanca, where two African giants will battle for glory, pride, and a place in the WAFCON semifinals.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Reigning African champions Nigeria produced a commanding response, defeating Cameroon 3–1 on Tuesday in the second of their pre-WAFCON international friendlies in Yaounde.
Three days after suffering a narrow 1–0 loss at the Military Stadium, the Super Falcons returned to the same venue. They delivered a far more assured performance, underlining their pedigree as perennial continental powerhouses.
Head Coach Justin Madugu rang the changes, making seven alterations to the starting line-up that featured in Saturday’s defeat. However, it was Cameroon who struck first again, netting in the seventh minute to momentarily raise concerns of a repeat setback.
Nigeria responded with composure and growing authority.
Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo restored parity in the 32nd minute, rising above her marker to power home a header from a well-delivered cross by Rinsola Babajide. The equaliser settled the Falcons, who began to dictate tempo and press with greater coordination.
Just before the break, the comeback was completed. After a scramble inside the Cameroonian box, Babajide reacted quickest to fire home in the 43rd minute, turning provider into scorer to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead at halftime.
Madugu’s reshaped midfield proved decisive, pressing higher up the pitch, shutting down central channels and forcing the Lionesses into speculative long balls.
The Falcons extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, influential down the right flank, delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Michelle Alozie attacked the ball with conviction, launching into a flying header that made it 3–1 and effectively sealed the contest.
Both sides treated the two-match series as crucial preparation for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
For Nigeria, the emphatic victory not only avenged Saturday’s defeat but also reaffirmed their status as Africa’s benchmark in women’s football heading into the continental showpiece.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- WAFCON6 days ago
BREAKING: CAF Postpones WAFCON 2026
- DIPLOMACY2 days ago
Trump calls on Australia to give asylum to Iranian women’s soccer players
- OBITUARY2 days ago
Breaking! Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Dies Four Days After Clocking 88
- World Cup3 days ago
Iraq coach calls for delay to World Cup playoff amid travel shutdown
- DIPLOMACY3 days ago
Morocco Backs Gulf Security, Condemns Iranian Attacks Against Brotherly Arab States
- OBITUARY2 days ago
Nigeria’s Sports Community Mourns Adegboye Onigbinde, A Life Devoted to Football
- OBITUARY1 week ago
Nigerian Sports Journalism Mourns Oyeniyi Oyeleke and Tonex Chukwu
- World Cup3 days ago
1990 World Cup Winner Riedle Backs Spain, France, Brazil for 2026 Glory