WAFCON: Ihezuo warns tougher title defence awaits Super Falcons

Super Falcons striker Chinwendu Ihezuo has warned that Nigeria face a far more demanding challenge at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), insisting the race for FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification will make this year’s tournament tougher than the last edition.

The tournament, scheduled for July 26 to August 16 in Morocco, doubles as Africa’s qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, raising the stakes for all participating nations.

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‘This tournament will be much tougher’

Ihezuo believes the added incentive of World Cup qualification will make every match fiercely contested, urging the defending champions to guard against complacency.

“This tournament will be tougher, much tougher. Last year, there was no FIFA Women’s World Cup ticket to fight for. When the first blast of the whistle goes on July 26, the focus of all the teams will be on the World Cup ticket,” she said.

“As defending champions, we cannot afford to be over-confident.”

Despite anticipating a more competitive tournament, the Pachuca Tuzas forward is confident the Super Falcons possess the quality and unity to successfully defend their continental crown.

“However, I believe in the team that we have, the oneness amongst us, our hard work, and the courage that keeps us going. We are not only going for a World Cup ticket but also to retain the Cup.”

Fit again for Morocco challenge

Ihezuo also revealed she has fully recovered from the injury that sidelined her and is eager to rejoin the Super Falcons as they chase a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.

“God has been great, and I give Him all the glory. I am now healed and fully recovered,” she said.

“Presently, my club is in pre-season, but I am ready to fly to Morocco and team up with the Super Falcons of Africa to make Nigeria proud.”

Nigeria will head to Morocco, seeking to extend their dominance in African women’s football while securing one of the continent’s qualification spots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.