By Kunle Solaja, Lagos

Nigeria’s record-chasing Super Falcons will literally carry their glorious African history on their shirts when they begin another quest for continental supremacy at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The defending champions have unveiled a striking new jersey featuring 10 stars around the team’s badge, each representing one of Nigeria’s record 10 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumphs.

It is a glittering reminder of a dynasty without equal in African football.

The Amstel Malta-backed Super Falcons gave the special jersey its first outing on Thursday, wearing it during their 2-1 international friendly victory over Tanzania’s Twiga Stars as preparations for the continental championship gathered momentum.

For Nigeria, however, the stars are far more than decorative additions to the famous green shirt. They are badges of conquest — symbols of decades of dominance in a competition the Super Falcons have made almost their own.

From the pioneering champions of the early years to the latest generation that delivered Nigeria’s landmark 10th crown, each star tells a chapter of an extraordinary continental story.

And already, there is room in the imagination for another.

Head coach Justine Madugu and his players will arrive at the 2026 WAFCON with one unmistakable mission: win an unprecedented 11th African title and add another star to the constellation.

Nigeria stand comfortably as the most successful nation in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the new jersey provides a vivid visual representation of that supremacy.

The 10 stars also give the Super Falcons a rare distinction. Few national teams anywhere can parade such an imposing collection of championship symbols from a single major continental competition.

But past glory will offer no guarantees in Morocco.

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on Saturday, with Africa’s leading women’s teams gathering for another battle for continental honours.

Nigeria will begin the defence of their crown on Tuesday against tournament debutants Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

For Malawi, it will be a first taste of WAFCON football.

For the Super Falcons, it is familiar territory — another tournament, another title defence and another opportunity to enlarge an already extraordinary collection.

Ten stars are already shining on the shirt.

Now comes the quest for Star No. 11.

And there could hardly be a more fitting number in football. Eleven players make up a starting team, and Nigeria will be hoping that when the final whistle sounds on Morocco 2026, their famous shirt will have earned the right to carry an 11th star — one for every player who takes the field at kick-off.

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Media Experts Limited (MEL) as its preferred media rights representative for the free-to-air distribution of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Under the arrangement, the London-based international sports and entertainment media consultancy will commercialise and distribute licensed free-to-air media rights for Africa’s flagship women’s football tournament in accordance with a mandate granted by CAF.

CAF, however, retains exclusive ownership of all media and commercial rights relating to WAFCON Morocco 2026.

The appointment extends MEL’s existing relationship with the continental football governing body, having previously worked on properties connected with the men’s Africa Cup of Nations.

MEL said it will engage broadcasters and prospective sponsors, including pan-African brands, as it seeks to expand the reach of the tournament across the region.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MEL, Kunle Falodun, described the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility, particularly at a time when women’s football on the continent is attracting increased commercial and public attention.

“Women’s football in Africa has waited a long time for the recognition it deserves, and momentum is now firmly on its side with record prize money, record crowds, and a new generation of stars the whole continent is proud of,” Falodun said.

He added that WAFCON Morocco 2026 provides an opportunity to celebrate the progress of the women’s game while bringing broadcasters and sponsors into the growing market.

CAF’s Head of TV Operations and Communications Director, Luxolo September, said free-to-air television remains central to the Confederation’s strategy of making African football accessible to as many people as possible.

“Free-to-air television remains a cornerstone of CAF’s broadcast strategy, ensuring that African football is accessible to millions of fans across the continent,” September said.

He said the partnership with MEL was intended to expand the reach of women’s football, strengthen broadcaster engagement and bring WAFCON 2026 to audiences across Africa.

The deal comes amid continued growth in the profile and commercial value of women’s football on the continent.

The previous edition of WAFCON in Morocco recorded a 45 per cent increase in total prize money, alongside increased participation payments to competing national associations.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe has repeatedly linked such investments to the Confederation’s drive to make women’s football more competitive and financially sustainable.

Broadcast reach has also expanded significantly, with CAF reporting that the opening match of the previous tournament was available in more than 120 territories.

Morocco will host the continental women’s championship for a third successive edition, further strengthening the North African country’s growing position as a major hub for African football.

The commercial potential surrounding the tournament is also being driven by Africa’s vast football audience and an increasingly young, digitally connected population.

MEL said it plans to use its WAFCON mandate to engage regional and international broadcasters as well as sponsors interested in partnership opportunities around the 2026 tournament.

The company has previously worked across properties associated with major international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, UEFA Champions League and English Premier League.

WAFCON is CAF’s premier competition for women’s national teams and has grown significantly in profile, prize money, attendance and broadcast reach in recent editions.

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Ticket sales for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 officially opened on Wednesday, July 22, giving football fans across Africa and beyond the opportunity to secure seats for the continent’s premier women’s football competition.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) launched the first phase of ticket sales in partnership with Visa, with the initial 48-hour window reserved exclusively for Visa cardholders.

Under the arrangement, Visa cardholders have early access to tickets for the group-stage matches before sales are opened to the general public.

The exclusive pre-sale, which began on Wednesday, will run until Thursday, July 23.

Visa, an official CAF partner and global digital payments company, is offering its cardholders priority access during the period as part of its partnership with African football’s governing body.

The opening of ticket sales represents another major step towards the staging of WAFCON Morocco 2026, as anticipation builds among supporters in the host country and across the African continent.

Morocco is again at the centre of African women’s football, having established itself as a major destination for CAF competitions in recent years.

Following the conclusion of the Visa-exclusive window, ticket sales will open to the wider football public as preparations for the continental championship gather momentum.

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