The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, with Nigeria’s Super Falcons aiming to defend their title, secure a place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and claim a record $2 million winners’ prize.
The expanded tournament will feature 16 teams for the first time, up from 12 at the previous edition, with four automatic World Cup qualification slots available for Africa.
Ten-time African champions Nigeria enter the competition as defending champions after their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the 2024 final.
Jennifer Echegini, who scored the decisive late goal in that final, returns alongside Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi, who also found the net in Nigeria’s title-winning performance.
Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu said the team’s immediate objective is to reach the semi-finals and secure World Cup qualification before focusing on retaining the continental crown.
“Our first priority is to qualify for the World Cup by reaching the semi-finals. Our second goal is to defend the trophy and bring it back to Nigeria. We know it will not be easy because every other nation wants to depose us,” Madugu said.
“We have in our possession something precious that everybody else wants. However, we will remain resolute and focused and try to achieve both objectives.”
Madugu has assembled a 25-player squad combining experienced internationals and emerging talents playing in leagues across Mexico, Israel and China.
Abia Angels goalkeeper Fatima Oloko is the only home-based player in the squad.
However, England-born defender Ashleigh Plumptre misses the tournament through injury.
Midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade will captain the Super Falcons, while Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is expected to play a key role after establishing herself as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers.
Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and tournament debutants Malawi.
Zambia boast two of Africa’s most dangerous forwards in Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda, while Malawi will rely on sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga to challenge the group favourites.
Since the competition began in 1998, Nigeria have dominated African women’s football, winning 10 of the 13 WAFCON titles. Only Equatorial Guinea, with two titles, and South Africa, with one, have also lifted the trophy.
South Africa head Group B, where they face Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, while hosts Morocco begin their campaign in Group A against Algeria, Senegal and Kenya.
Group D features Ghana, Cameroon and tournament newcomers Cape Verde.
Matches will be played across five stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca, with the tournament also offering two intercontinental World Cup play-off places to the losing quarter-finalists.
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