Super Falcons Eye Record 11th WAFCON Title as Tournament Nears

The Super Falcons are gearing up to compete for a record 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title when the tournament kicks off later this month. Nigeria enters WAFCON 2026 as Africa’s highest ranked women’s team, sitting 36th globally, and as defending champions with enormous continental expectations resting on their shoulders.

World Cup as Extra Motivation

Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala has spoken about how watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup has added motivation for Nigeria’s women ahead of WAFCON. She noted that the global stage on display in North America serves as a reminder of what is possible for African women’s football when it reaches its highest level.

Furthermore, the Plumptre controversy, which saw the defender allege that her WAFCON omission followed her refusal to comply with inappropriate demands, continues to cast a shadow over squad preparations. How the federation handles that allegation will be watched carefully by both domestic and international observers who follow women’s football governance issues.

The Competition Ahead

Morocco, South Africa, and Zambia have all strengthened significantly and will present genuine challenges to Nigeria’s title defence. Morocco in particular, riding the wave of the men’s national team’s impressive World Cup quarter-final run, will arrive at WAFCON with renewed national confidence and significant public support.

Malawi head coach Lovemore Fazili has already named a 32-member provisional squad for the tournament. Other nations are finalising their preparations. The competition promises to be the most fiercely contested edition of WAFCON in recent memory.

Why This Title Matters

Eleven WAFCON titles would be a record that no other African nation has come close to matching. For the Super Falcons, who have been Africa’s dominant women’s football force for over three decades, extending that legacy in 2026 would represent the most meaningful possible response to a difficult period for Nigerian football overall.

The Super Eagles missed the World Cup. The Super Falcons are aiming for the continental crown. Nigerian football is counting on the women to keep the flag flying this summer.