Former Nigeria junior international striker Chinwendu Ihezuo has predicted a far more demanding challenge at the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco but remains confident that the Super Falcons possess the quality and determination to successfully defend their continental crown and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The 14th edition of the continental showpiece will take place in Morocco from July 26 to August 16, with Africa’s leading women’s national teams battling not only for the championship title but also for coveted tickets to the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Ihezuo, who was part of the Super Falcons squad that won the title in Morocco last year, believes the stakes are considerably higher this time around.

“This tournament will be tougher, much tougher,” Ihezuo said.

“Last year, there was no FIFA Women’s World Cup ticket to fight for. When the first blast of the whistle goes on July 26, the focus of all the teams will be on the World Cup ticket. As defending champions, we cannot afford to be over-confident.”

Despite anticipating fierce competition from rival nations, the Pachuca Tuzas forward expressed confidence in the unity and resilience within the Nigerian squad.

“However, I believe in the team that we have, the oneness amongst us, our hard work, and the courage that keeps us going. We are not only going for a World Cup ticket but also to retain the Cup,” she added.

Ihezuo also provided an encouraging update on her fitness after spending time on the sidelines through injury.

The forward revealed that she has fully recovered and is eager to rejoin the Super Falcons as they prepare for another continental campaign.

“God has been great, and I give Him all the glory. I am now healed and fully recovered,” she said.

“Presently, my club is in pre-season, but I am ready to fly to Morocco and team up with the Super Falcons of Africa to make Nigeria proud.”

Her return will be a major boost for Nigeria as the nine-time African champions pursue a record-extending 11th WAFCON title and seek to maintain their dominance of women’s football on the continent.

With qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup also at stake, the Super Falcons are expected to face intense competition from emerging powers across Africa, making this year’s tournament one of the most fiercely contested editions in recent history.

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Defending champions Nigeria will step up preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a high-profile friendly against Ghana’s Black Queens in Casablanca on Saturday.

The Super Falcons, seeking a record-extending 11th continental title, opened their training camp in Morocco’s economic capital on Monday as they intensify preparations for the 14th edition of the tournament, which kicks off on Sunday.

Head coach Justine Madugu led his squad through their first training session at the Stade el Arbi Zaouli on Tuesday afternoon, with players gradually arriving at the team’s base at the Hotel Marriott in Casablanca.

By Tuesday lunchtime, 10 players had checked into camp, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Fatima Oloko, defenders Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Ogbonna, Shukurat Oladipo and Rofiat Imuran, midfielder Jennifer Echegini and star forward Asisat Oshoala. Midfielder Toni Payne, who recently completed a move from Everton Women to Inter Milan Women, was expected to arrive on Wednesday.

Saturday’s friendly against Ghana will provide Madugu’s side with a final opportunity to fine-tune tactics before the start of the continental showpiece. The match will be played at the Stade el Arbi Zaouli, with kick-off scheduled for 4 p.m.

The encounter revives one of African women’s football’s most enduring rivalries. Ghana’s Black Queens were runners-up to Nigeria in the inaugural Women’s Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Nigeria in 1998, and meetings between the two West African giants have often produced memorable contests.

Nigeria begin their Group C campaign against Malawi in Rabat on July 28 before facing Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5.

The Super Falcons enter the tournament as favourites, having won the continental crown a record 10 times and seeking to retain the title they currently hold.

Beyond continental glory, qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil is also at stake. The four semi-finalists in Morocco will automatically secure places at the global tournament, while the fifth-placed team will advance to an intercontinental playoff competition scheduled for early next year.

With their camp now taking shape and a crucial test against Ghana on the horizon, Nigeria’s preparations for another assault on African football’s biggest women’s prize are gathering momentum.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK.

Nigeria’s quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title will be powered by a squad drawn from some of the world’s leading clubs, with French giants Paris Saint-Germain and American outfit Washington Spirit among the most heavily represented teams in the Super Falcons’ 25-player roster.

Head coach Justine Madugu on Friday unveiled his squad for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, where the defending champions will begin their title defence against Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi in Group C.

A closer look at the squad reveals the global reach of Nigerian women’s football, with players spread across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain provides two of the squad’s most influential figures — captain Rasheedat Ajibade and midfield dynamo Jennifer Echegini. The duo will be expected to drive Nigeria’s ambitions as the Super Falcons seek to retain the title they won dramatically against hosts Morocco last year.

Washington Spirit of the United States also boasts a strong Nigerian contingent, supplying midfielder Deborah Abiodun and forward Gift Monday. Their experience in the highly competitive National Women’s Soccer League is expected to add energy and attacking flair to the Nigerian side.

Mexico’s growing reputation as a destination for Nigerian talent is reflected in the selection of defenders and forwards from Liga MX Femenil. Pachuca Tuzas contribute veteran defender Osinachi Ohale and striker Chinwendu Ihezuo, while Cruz Azul Femenil is represented by forward Uchenna Kanu.

England-based players form another significant bloc. Newly-signed Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie headlines the contingent alongside Portsmouth Ladies goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, London City Lionesses defender Rofiat Imuran and Everton midfielder Toni Payne.

Italy’s AS Roma contributes two players in defender Shukurat Oladipo and forward Omorinsola Babajide, while Swedish club BK Hacken sends midfielder Halimatu Ayinde and forward Joy Omewa.

Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding women’s league is represented by former African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala of Al Hilal and experienced winger Francisca Ordega of Al-Ittihad Ladies.

Elsewhere, Portugal’s Benfica provides versatile defender Christy Ucheibe, Turkish champions Galatasaray are represented by defender Oluwatosin Demehin, while Israel contributes Glory Ogbonna of FC Kiryat Gat and Sikiratu Isah of Bnot Netanya.

China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi arrives from Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, further underlining the geographical diversity of the squad.

Among the few home-based players selected is goalkeeper Fatima Oloko of Nigeria Women’s Football League side Abia Angels, whose inclusion highlights Madugu’s willingness to reward domestic talent.

The squad combines proven veterans and emerging stars, with Oshoala, Ohale, Ordega and Ayinde bringing years of international experience, while younger players such as Echegini, Abiodun, Monday and Ijamilusi represent the future of the team.

Nigeria remain the most successful nation in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having won 10 titles. They secured their latest triumph in Morocco last summer, edging the Atlas Lionesses 3-2 in a thrilling final.

The stakes in this year’s expanded 16-team tournament are even higher. In addition to continental glory, the four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the fifth-placed team will advance to an intercontinental playoff.

With talent sourced from some of the biggest clubs across four continents, the Super Falcons will travel to Morocco carrying not only the weight of history but also the expectations that come with being Africa’s undisputed queens of women’s football.

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