WAFCON 2026: Nigeria lead West Africa’s powerful title charge

West Africa will have the largest regional representation at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with six nations aiming to leave their mark when the tournament begins in Morocco on 26 July.

Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Senegal will all compete in the expanded 16-team competition, each entering the tournament with different ambitions ranging from lifting the trophy to reaching the knockout stages and challenging more established sides.

Nigeria begin as favourites

Nigeria once again arrive at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as one of the leading contenders for the title.

The Super Falcons, reigning African champions, are preparing for their 14th appearance in the competition and will be chasing what would be an 11th continental crown.

Head coach Justice Madugu has assembled a squad featuring experienced players and proven performers, including Asisat Oshoala, captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, Nigeria will be expected to progress beyond the group stage before turning their attention to the knockout rounds.

Their qualification campaign, which included a 2-0 victory and a 1-1 draw against Benin, underlined their credentials heading into the tournament.

Ghana seeks a return to the top

Ghana enters the competition hoping to rediscover the form that previously made the Black Queens one of Africa’s strongest women’s teams.

Despite reaching three WAFCON finals in the past, Ghana has yet to lift the trophy and returns after missing the 2022 edition.

Under Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren, optimism has grown following an impressive qualification campaign that saw the Black Queens defeat Egypt 7-0 on aggregate.

With players such as Doris Boaduwaa, Evelyn Badu, Grace Asantewaa and Jennifer Cudjoe, Ghana possesses a squad capable of competing with the continent’s best.

However, Group D presents a demanding challenge, with Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde all standing between Ghana and a place in the knockout phase.

Senegal and Mali target another breakthrough

Senegal continues its steady rise in African women’s football after reaching the quarter-finals in the previous edition.

Making its fourth appearance at the tournament, the Lionesses of Teranga will be aiming to go one step further under head coach Mame Moussa Cissé.

Players including Ndeye Awa Diakhaté and Safietou Sagna are expected to play key roles as Senegal pursues another place in the knockout rounds.

Mali also enters the competition determined to make an impact.

Competing in its ninth Women’s AFCON, the team secured another opportunity following the expansion of the tournament to 16 teams.

After recording a convincing aggregate victory over Gabon during qualifying before later benefiting from reinstatement following defeat to Cape Verde, Mali now hopes to improve on its fourth-place finish achieved in 2018.

Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast embrace the challenge

Burkina Faso returns to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after missing the previous edition.

In only its second appearance at the finals, the Stallions are targeting a historic first qualification for the knockout stage.

The team booked its place in Morocco by overcoming Burundi and Togo in qualifying and will look to experienced players such as Alimata Bélem and Adama Congo, who became Burkina Faso’s first-ever goalscorer at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Burkina Faso faces a difficult Group B containing Ivory Coast, defending champions South Africa and Tanzania.

Ivory Coast also enters the tournament determined to take advantage of a second opportunity after returning to the competition despite qualifying disappointment.

Led by French coach Reynald Pedros, the Elephants hope to build on their best Women’s AFCON finish, third place in 2014.

Players including Bernadette Amani and Ami Diallo are expected to spearhead Ivory Coast’s campaign.

West Africa aims to shape the tournament

With six representatives, West Africa will once again play a significant role in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria begins the tournament as the region’s strongest title contender, while Ghana and Senegal will hope to challenge for the latter stages.

Mali and Ivory Coast are aiming to upset more fancied opponents, and Burkina Faso enters the competition eager to prove it can compete with Africa’s established powers.

As the tournament unfolds in Morocco, the region’s teams will seek to reinforce West Africa’s growing influence in continental women’s football and compete for honours on one of the biggest stages in African sport.