Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) gathered momentum on Sunday as 19 of the 25 invited Super Falcons players assembled in Casablanca ahead of the team’s opening Group B clash against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28.

The arrival of Sweden-based duo Halimatu Ayinde and Joy Omewa took the number of players in camp to 19, with the pair joining their teammates at the Hotel Marriott shortly after the squad had completed an evening training session at the La Noria Club under the supervision of Head Coach Justine Madugu and his technical crew.

Also expected in camp later on Sunday were Mexico-based defender Osinachi Ohale and forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, who were travelling from their club, Pachuca Tuzas.

With the countdown to the continental championship entering its final phase, the team’s preparations have intensified as the defending champions aim to begin their title defence on a winning note against Malawi.

Among the early arrivals in camp are captain Rasheedat Ajibade, first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Shukurat Oladipo, Oluwatosin Demehin and Christy Ucheibe, midfielders Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini, as well as experienced forwards Asisat Oshoala, Francisca Ordega and Omorinsola Babajide.

The six players still being awaited in Casablanca are defender Michelle Alozie, midfielder Deborah Abiodun, and forwards Gift Monday, Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi and Uchenna Kanu.

Nigeria, record winners of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, are expected to have their full complement of players available before Tuesday’s opening fixture as Coach Madugu fine-tunes his squad for another bid to retain the continental crown.

Players Currently in Camp (19)

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor, Fatima Oloko.

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale, Shukurat Oladipo, Rofiat Imuran, Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Sikiratu Isah, Christy Ucheibe.

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade, Halimatu Ayinde, Toni Payne, Jennifer Echegini.

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala, Joy Omewa, Francisca Ordega, Omorinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo.

The remaining six players are expected to link up with the squad before Nigeria’s opening match of the tournament.

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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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