Barely one year after clinching a historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, Nigeria’s Super Falcons are preparing to return to Morocco to defend their crown at the 2026 tournament.
With the competition fast approaching, several key players have been delivering impressive performances at their respective clubs, raising expectations for another dominant outing by Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
Ajibade Returns Strong After Injury Setback
Super Falcons forward Rasheedat Ajibade recently returned to first-team action after being sidelined since November due to injury. The Nigerian star has made nine league appearances since joining her new club in the summer, registering one assist while still searching for her first goal.
Despite the modest goal tally, Ajibade’s influence remains significant. She was recently named in the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) Women’s CAF Team of the Year 2025.
The prestigious Women’s Africa XI list also features fellow Nigerians Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Christy Ucheibe — highlighting Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.
Oshoala Continues to Shine in Saudi Arabia
Asisat Oshoala continues to make headlines in Saudi women’s football. The prolific striker scored a first-half brace in Al Hilal Ladies’ thrilling 3-3 draw against Al Ahli last Thursday.
Her performance further cemented her reputation as one of the most dangerous attackers in the Saudi Women’s Premier League. Since moving to Saudi Arabia, Oshoala has quickly established herself as a key figure and remains central to Nigeria’s WAFCON ambitions.
Nnadozie’s Heroics Not Enough for Brighton
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie delivered another solid performance for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women’s Super League, making four saves from seven shots faced against West Ham.
However, Brighton suffered a 3-2 defeat — their second consecutive league loss — leaving them with just one win in their last five matches. Since arriving in England last summer, Nnadozie has kept four clean sheets in 13 appearances.
Her inclusion in the IFFHS CAF Women’s XI underlines her growing status as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers, following standout spells with Paris FC, Brighton, and the Nigerian national team.
Alozie, Plumptre, Okoronkwo Building Momentum
Defenders Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre were also recognised in the IFFHS Africa XI defence.
Alozie recently completed a move from Houston Dash to Chicago Stars FC and is preparing for the upcoming NWSL season in the United States. Meanwhile, 2024 WAFCON standout Esther Okoronkwo, who is based in Canada, is also gearing up for the new campaign.
Their steady progress will be crucial to Nigeria’s defensive solidity in Morocco.
Super Falcons Confirm WAFU Tournament Ahead of WAFCON 2026
As part of their WAFCON 2026 preparations, the Super Falcons will compete in a four-nation West African tournament in Abidjan later this month.
Organised by the West African Football Union (WAFU) B, the invitational tournament will run from February 27 to March 7, 2026, in Ivory Coast.
The competition will feature:
Nigeria
Ivory Coast (hosts)
Ghana
Senegal
All four nations have qualified for WAFCON 2026, making the mini-tournament a crucial competitive test just 10 days before the continental finals begin.
Although there have been reports of a possible postponement request by the hosts, the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations remains scheduled for March 17 to April 3, 2026, in Morocco.
Super Falcons Drawn in Tough Group C Defending champions Nigeria have been drawn in Group C
alongside:
Zambia
Egypt
Malawi (debutants)
With strong squad depth, experienced leaders, and in-form stars across Europe, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, the Super Falcons will be aiming to extend their record and secure an 11th WAFCON title.
Africa’s queens of football are ready for another historic mission.
