Super Falcons forward Chiwendu Ihezuo has declared that Nigeria’s primary objective at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is to successfully defend their continental title while securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria will head to Morocco aiming to win a record-extending 11th WAFCON title when the tournament gets underway later this month. The competition also carries added significance, as the four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Ihezuo acknowledged that the stakes are higher than in previous editions because of the World Cup qualification places on offer.
“This tournament will be tougher, much tougher. Last year, there was no FIFA Women’s World Cup ticket to fight for,” Ihezuo told the Nigeria Football Federation’s official website.
“When the first blast of the whistle goes on July 26, the focus of all the teams will be on the World Cup ticket. As defending champions, we cannot afford to be over-confident.”
The Super Falcons, under the guidance of head coach Justine Madugu, enter the competition as defending champions and favourites to reclaim the African crown. However, Ihezuo believes complacency could prove costly, with every participating nation motivated by the opportunity to qualify for the next Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria will fine-tune preparations for the tournament with an international friendly against West African rivals Ghana’s Black Queens in Casablanca on Saturday.
The 2026 WAFCON will be staged in Morocco for the third consecutive edition, with the tournament officially kicking off on Sunday, July 26.
The Super Falcons will begin their campaign two days later when they face Malawi’s Scorchers at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat. Victory in the opening fixture would provide an early boost as Nigeria begins its quest for another continental title and a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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