Nigeria begin WAFCON title defence as record prize and World Cup spots await in Morocco

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) gets underway in Morocco on Sunday, with continental glory, automatic World Cup qualification and a record prize purse of two million dollars at stake.

A record 16 teams will compete in this year’s tournament, an expansion from the previous 12-team format, as Africa’s top women’s football nations battle for supremacy. Defending champions and 10-time winners Nigeria’s Super Falcons enter the competition as the side to beat.

Nigeria claimed their latest WAFCON title in dramatic fashion two years ago, overturning a two-goal halftime deficit against hosts Morocco to secure a memorable 3-2 victory in the final.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jennifer Echegini scored the decisive late goal to complete the comeback and seal another championship for the West African giants.

Echegini returns to the squad with ambitions of adding another continental medal to her collection, alongside Canada-based Esther Okoronkwo and China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi, who also found the net in the thrilling final against Morocco.

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu says the team’s immediate objective is to secure a place in the semifinals and earn one of Africa’s four automatic qualification slots for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“Our first goal is to reach the semifinals and qualify for the World Cup. The second goal is to defend the trophy and bring it back to Nigeria,” Madugu told reporters.

“We know it will not be easy because every other nation wants to take the title from us. We have something precious that everyone wants, but we will remain focused and determined to achieve our objectives.”

Madugu has selected a 25-player squad combining experience and emerging talent, featuring players based across Mexico, Israel, China and other leagues around the world. The squad also includes one home-based player, goalkeeper Fatima Oloko of Abia Angels.

However, Nigeria will be without defender Ashleigh Plumptre, a key figure in their 2024 triumph, after the England-born player suffered an injury while with Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad.

Midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade will captain the Super Falcons, who also boast Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, widely considered one of the finest goalkeepers in African women’s football.

With increased participation, bigger financial rewards and World Cup qualification on offer, the 2026 WAFCON promises to be the biggest edition yet as Africa’s women’s football continues to grow.