By Dauda Musbau
The 13th edition of the TotalEnergies Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is drawing closer, with the tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
This tournament, expanded to 16 teams, serves as a direct qualifier for the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the top four semifinalists earning automatic qualification and spots in the World Cup draw.
Super Falcons, the current title holder with 10 champions, is scheduled to face formidable opponents in the group stage.
The Super Falcons’ official squad for the 2026 WAFCON is yet to be released. However, coach Justine Madugu has initiated final preparations with a 25-player squad for a friendly match against Cameroon on February 28 and March 3, 2026.
Within the squad to face Cameroon on Saturday, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Canada-based) and Gift Monday (USA-based) return to the squad after missing the previous tournament. Also, England-based goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor and midfielder Precious Christopher (Tanzania-based) received their first call-ups.
Core regular players like Rasheedat Ajibade (Captain), Chiamaka Nnadozie (GK), Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, Christy Ucheibe, and Jennifer Echegini remain important for title defence. Only Asisat Oshoala, the most high-profile player in the squad, missed the call-up.
Here’s the 25-player squad called up for the friendly match against Cameroon
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England); Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)
Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Olivia Wynn, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel); Chidinma Okeke (Club America, Mexico)
Halimatu Ayinde (Christian Lundstrom, Sweden); Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Ottawa Rapids, Canada); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Precious Christopher (Yanga Princess, Tanzania)
Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA); Joy Omewa (Nottingham Forest, England); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy).
The 16 participating teams have been split into four groups, with the top two from each group set to advance to the quarter-finals.
Group A: Morocco, Algeria, Kenya, Senegal
Group B: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D: Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Cape Verde
According to ESPN, a Spain-based media outlet, Rabat, Casablanca and Fez were the three cities selected to host the tournament. Rabat is set to have two stadiums in use: the Moulay El Hassan Stadium and Al Medina Stadium.
Games in Casablanca will be played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, while the 45,000-capacity Fez Stadium is the largest that will be utilised for WAFCON 2026.
Super Falcons key match schedules and fixtures
Nigeria Matchday 1 (March 18): Nigeria vs Malawi (Casablanca).
Nigeria Matchday 2 (March 21): Nigeria vs Zambia (Casablanca).
Nigeria Matchday 3 (March 24): Egypt vs Nigeria (Casablanca).
"He was a symbol of strength, determination and resolve, and created unforgettable moments...
He emphasised the importance of coordination in planning, timely execution, disciplined delivery....
IFAB has already agreed to look at measures to stop players from hiding what they…
He said MMA’s emergence from relative obscurity reflects deliberate institutional backing by the Police....
They’ll capture a league that believes it belongs on the big stage and on April…
The footballer was found guilty of having non-consensual sexual relations in March 2021....
This website uses cookies.