WAFCON 2026: Nigeria forward Rinsola Babajide targets title defence with Super Falcons

Nigeria forward Rinsola Babajide has reaffirmed the Super Falcons’ determination to retain their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown, insisting the team’s focus remains on lifting the trophy despite the added incentive of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The 2026 WAFCON will feature an expanded 16-team format and will also serve as a qualification tournament for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, raising the stakes for every nation competing.

While acknowledging that the increased importance of the tournament will make it even more competitive, Babajide stressed that Nigeria’s ambitions have not changed.

“I think it makes it more exciting. We all know that this year’s Women AFCON is also for qualification to the World Cup finals. Of course, we all want to be there. I think it will make it more competitive but for us, the goal remains the same.”

The reigning Italian Serie A Feminine champion said the Super Falcons are driven by the high standards they have set for themselves rather than any external pressure.

According to the forward, the responsibility of representing Africa’s most successful women’s national team means the squad approaches every major tournament wit

“For us as a team, whether we are playing just to be crowned champions of Africa or for qualification to next year’s World Cup, the pressure is the same as we want to win. The only pressure actually is the one we put on ourselves. We know what we signed up for as professionals and being the defending champions, we want to retain our trophy.”

The Nigeria women’s national football team head into WAFCON 2026 as defending champions and one of the favourites to claim the continental title once again.

With experienced players and emerging talents in the squad, the Super Falcons will be aiming to extend their dominance in African women’s football while securing a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.