Super Falcons defend WAFCON title July 27 in Morocco with $2M prize and World Cup slots at stake
Nigeria's Super Falcons open their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations defence on Sunday July 27 in Morocco, aiming to retain the trophy after their dramatic 3-2 comeback win over hosts Morocco in the 2024 final. Jennifer Echegini scored that late winner at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, and she returns alongside PSG teammate Rasheedat Ajibade (now captain), Canada-based Esther Okoronkwo, and China-based Folashade Ijamilusi.
The stakes are record-high: a $2 million prize (up from previous editions) and automatic qualification for four African teams to the 2027 Women's World Cup. Coach Justine Madugu says reaching the semi-finals comes first, then defending the title won't be easy as "every other nation wants to depose us." Nigeria faces tough Group C opponents: Zambia (African Women's Player of the Year Racheal Kundananji now plays for Bay FC), organized Egypt, and debutants Malawi.
Key absentee is England-born defender Ashleigh Plumptre (Al Ittihad) due to injury, but Brighton's Chiamaka Nnadozie remains Africa's top goalkeeper. The expanded 16-team format means Group A features Morocco vs Algeria (July 30 - a politically charged match over Western Sahara), while Group D has Ghana, Cameroon and Cape Verde.
With Super Falcons boasting 10 WAFCON titles (more than any other nation), will their blend of PSG experience and youthful energy overcome a stacked group to bring the trophy home, or will Zambia's firepower or Egypt's organization disrupt their bid for back-to-back glory?