Quick Reads:
- Super Falcons face Malawi on July 27, Zambia on July 31, and Egypt on August 4 in Group C
- Nigeria are chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title
- Tournament runs July 26 to August 16 across Rabat and Casablanca
- Winners take home $2 million as CAF boosts total prize money to $5.8 million
- Semi-finalists qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil
Nigeria’s Super Falcons officially begin their Super Falcons WAFCON title defence on Sunday, July 27, when they take on tournament debutants Malawi in Morocco. The clash kicks off a campaign that could see the reigning champions extend their dominance of African women’s football to a record 11 titles.
Drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, the Super Falcons will follow their opener with a heavyweight showdown against Zambia on July 31, before rounding off the group stage against Egypt on August 4. The tournament, originally slated for March, now runs from July 26 to August 16, featuring 16 nations across venues in Rabat and Casablanca.
Head coach Justin Madugu has named a squad blending experience and youthful energy for the Super Falcons WAFCON title defence, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and attacking trio Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo all expected to feature prominently.
Zambia loom as Nigeria’s toughest test in the group. The Copper Queens boast BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Barbra Banda and sharp-shooter Racheal Kundananji, though the Super Falcons will draw confidence from a commanding 5-0 quarter-final win over the same opponents at the last edition. Egypt return after sitting out the previous tournament, while Malawi step onto the continent’s biggest stage for the very first time.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Madugu struck a cautious tone despite Nigeria’s imperious record, noting that rivals now believe they can dethrone the champions and that every win must be earned through discipline and consistency.
Beyond continental bragging rights, the stakes have never been higher. CAF has raised the prize pool to $5.8 million, with champions pocketing $2 million, and the tournament doubles as a qualifying pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with all four semi-finalists earning automatic tickets.
Host nation Morocco, runners-up last time out, along with 2022 champions South Africa and a returning Ghana side, are tipped as Nigeria’s biggest threats to a historic 11th crown. Nigeria has won 10 of 13 editions since the competition launched in 1998, and all eyes will be on whether the Super Falcons can keep that record intact when the knockout rounds begin on August 8.
