Captain Ghizlane Chebbak will spearhead Morocco’s quest for continental glory at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, as head coach Jorge Vilda named an experienced 32-player preliminary squad ahead of the tournament.

Morocco will host the competition from 17 March to 3 April, with preparations beginning this week at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora.

The squad announcement blends seasoned internationals, returning players and promising young talent, underlining the Atlas Lionesses’ determination to mount a serious title challenge on home soil.

Azraf’s Big Break

The headline inclusion is 18-year-old Kautar Azraf, who receives her first senior call-up after impressing at the youth level and with Spanish giants Barcelona. Widely regarded as one of Morocco’s brightest prospects, Azraf is expected to inject pace and attacking directness into the national side.

Her promotion signals Morocco’s continued investment in youth development as they aim to sustain their rapid rise in African women’s football.

Experienced Core Returns

Chebbak, the team’s inspirational captain, headlines a core of established figures that includes goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, defender Nouhaila Benzina, and attacking threats such as Sakina Ouzraoui and Fatima Tagnaout.

Also recalled are Yasmin Mrabet, Salma Amani and Sanaâ Mssoudy, reinforcing the squad’s depth and experience.

Building Momentum

Morocco’s recent outings have produced mixed results — including a 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso in November and a 2-0 defeat to South Africa in December — but the Maâmora camp will provide an opportunity to refine tactical structures and strengthen cohesion ahead of the continental showpiece.

As hosts, Morocco will seek to build on their impressive run when they last staged the tournament in 2024, reaching the final and capturing continental attention. Since then, significant investment in infrastructure and player development has further strengthened the women’s game in the country.

With heightened competition expected in 2026, Vilda’s calculated blend of youth and experience suggests Morocco are not merely preparing to participate — but to contend seriously for the title in front of their home supporters.

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The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) holding next month in Morocco, has started gathering momentum as teams are announcing their squads and also organising friendly matches.

One of such is Kenya, whose squad has been confirmed by CAFonline even as the country also announced an ambitious build-up programme featuring international friendlies and an overseas training camp.

The Harambee Starlets enter a decisive phase of their preparations with two international friendlies scheduled in West Africa, followed by a residential training camp in Europe.

Kenya will travel to Abidjan on 28 February, where they are set to face Benin on 2 March before taking on hosts Côte d’Ivoire two days later at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpé. The fixtures are expected to provide the technical bench with a valuable opportunity to test combinations and assess match readiness against competitive opposition.

Following the West African engagements, the squad will head to Miramas, France, for a training camp running until 15 March. The European camp has been designed to fine-tune tactical systems, sharpen match fitness and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the continental showpiece.

Odemba’s provisional list blends established internationals with emerging talent, signalling both continuity and healthy competition for places. Four goalkeepers headline the squad, while a sizeable defensive contingent reflects the technical team’s emphasis on structure and organisation.

Among those earning call-ups are Kenya Police Bullets trio Annedy Kundu, Medina Abubakar and Lorna Nyarinda, alongside Kibera Soccer Women pair Vivian Shiyonzo and Mary Majeso. Trinity Starlets are represented by Juliet Adhiambo, Elizabeth Muteshi and Mercyline Mejor, with Ulinzi Starlets defender Diana Shakava and Kayole Starlets’ Euphraiser Shilwatso also included.

The squad features a strong youth element, with eight players stepping up from Kenya’s U20 side into the senior fold. Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Fasila Adhiambo, Valerie Nekesa and Elizabeth Mideva retain their places, while Diana Ochol, Vidah Akeyo and Lornah Faith receive their first senior call-ups.

“We are looking at the bigger picture,” Odemba said. “Integrating players from the U20 team gives us depth and continuity, and it is important for the long-term growth of the national team.”

She added, “The friendly matches and the Miramas camp will allow us to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses in real match situations. Preparation is key. Modern football demands organisation, teamwork and belief.”

Kenya faces a demanding Group A campaign at WAFCON 2026, beginning against the hosts Morocco women’s national football team, on 17 March. They will then meet the Senegal women’s national football team on 20 March before concluding their group fixtures against the Algeria women’s national football team on 23 March.

The extended preparatory programme is expected to give the coaching staff a broader window to evaluate player combinations, address weaknesses identified during the friendlies and solidify tactical discipline as Kenya aims to make a significant impact at the tournament.

Justine Madugu, the Head Coach of the Nigerian national women’s football team, Super Falcons, has unveiled a 25-player squad for the team’s upcoming international friendly matches against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in Yaoundé.

The list is headlined by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo as Nigeria steps up preparations ahead of major continental competition.

Canada-based midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene returns to the national team fold after an absence of several years, while United States-based forward Gift Monday also makes a comeback, having missed Nigeria’s triumph at last year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

There is a first-ever invitation for England-based goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, as Mexico-based defender Chidinma Okeke re-enters the squad of the 10-time African champions.

Midfielder Precious Christopher, who plays in Tanzania, has also earned her maiden call-up.

Madugu has maintained the backbone of the squad, retaining experienced defenders Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin and Ashley Plumptre.

In midfield, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun and Jennifer Echegini keep their places, while Rinsola Babajide and Folashade Ijamilusi continue to lead the attacking options.

The first friendly against Cameroon will take place on Saturday, 28 February, with the return encounter scheduled for Tuesday, 3 March, both in Yaoundé.

The fixtures form part of Nigeria’s build-up to the 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which has been confirmed for Morocco from 17 March to 3 April.

The tournament carries additional significance, as all four semi-finalists will qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.

With a blend of returning experience and fresh faces, the Super Falcons will be looking to fine-tune combinations and sharpen tactical cohesion as they aim to reinforce their dominance on the African stage.

SUPER FALCONS FOR FRIENDLY MATCHES VS CAMEROON:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England); Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Olivia Wynn, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel); Chidinma Okeke (Club America, Mexico)

Midfielders: Halimatu Ayinde (Christian Lundstrom, Sweden); Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Ottawa Rapids, Canada); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Precious Christopher (Yanga Princess, Tanzania)

Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA); Joy Omewa (Nottingham Forest, England); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy)

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