Mission 11 Begins: Super Falcons Set Sights on Another African Crown in Morocco

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will kick off their quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title on Sunday when they face Malawi in their opening Group C clash in Morocco.

The continental showpiece, initially slated for March, will run from July 26 to August 16, bringing together 16 of Africa’s best women’s national teams in a battle for supremacy and a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

As defending champions and Africa’s highest-ranked women’s side, the Super Falcons arrive in Morocco carrying the weight of expectation and the ambition to reaffirm their dominance on the continent.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and tournament debutants Malawi. Their campaign begins against Malawi on July 27 before a highly anticipated showdown with Zambia on July 31. The Falcons will round off the group stage against Egypt on August 4.

Head coach Justin Madugu has assembled a squad that blends experience, leadership and youthful energy as the nine-time African powerhouse prepares for another title charge.

Leading the team is captain Rasheedat Ajibade, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is expected to provide stability at the back. In attack, Nigeria will rely on the firepower of Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi to deliver goals.

While Malawi and Egypt will be eager to cause upsets, Zambia are widely viewed as Nigeria’s biggest threat in the group. The Copper Queens boast one of the continent’s most feared attacking partnerships, featuring reigning BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Barbra Banda and prolific striker Racheal Kundananji.

However, Nigeria will take confidence from their emphatic 5-0 victory over Zambia in the quarter-finals of the last WAFCON tournament.

Despite the Super Falcons’ rich history in the competition, Madugu insists his players are not taking anything for granted.

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“Every team now believes they can challenge Nigeria. We have to earn every victory through discipline, hard work and consistency,” the coach said.

Beyond continental glory, the tournament carries additional significance as part of the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification, while teams eliminated in the quarter-finals will have another opportunity through intercontinental playoff spots.

CAF has also raised the stakes financially, with the tournament winners set to receive $2 million. The overall prize pool has increased to $5.8 million, while every participating nation is guaranteed $150,000.

Host nation Morocco, runners-up in the last edition under coach Jorge Vilda, are among the favourites to challenge for the trophy. South Africa, who lifted the title in 2022, and returning Ghana are also expected to mount serious title bids.

Matches will be played across five stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. The knockout phase is scheduled to begin on August 8.

Having won 10 of the 13 WAFCON editions since the competition’s inception in 1998, the Super Falcons remain the benchmark of women’s football in Africa. As the tournament gets underway in Morocco, Nigeria’s mission is clear — defend their crown and bring home an unprecedented 11th continental title.