The Spotlights will be on record chasing Super Falcons as the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 kicks off Sunday, July 26, in Rabat.
The Super Falcons are the reigning African champions and will be expected to defend the title won during the last WAFCON in Morocco.
As Africa’s highest-ranked women’s national team, Nigeria head to Morocco with familiar expectations for their 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
Drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, which presents a competitive challenge for the Super Falcons ahead of kickoff later tonight.
Group C presents a tough challenge to the reigning champions, with Zambia emerging as one of the continent’s promising sides, while Egypt and Malawi will also be eager to make their mark.
The Super Falcons secured qualification for this year’s WAFCON by defeating fellow West Africans Benin 3-1 on aggregate in the second round of qualifying.
Having received a bye in the opening round, the Super Falcons took control of the tie with a 2-0 away victory in Cotonou.
The Nigerian women completed the job in Abeokuta, drawing 1-1 in the second leg after Ashleigh Plumptre opened the scoring before Benin equalised through Yasmine Djibril.
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) officially confirmed the final squads for Morocco 2026, with the 16 participating nations registering a total of 413 players for Africa’s premier women’s football competition.
The confirmed squads reflect both the continued growth of women’s football across the continent and the emergence of a new generation of talented players ready to compete on Africa’s biggest stage.
The squad lists also highlight the diversity of experience across the tournament, with an age gap of 25 years separating the oldest and youngest players selected.
The oldest players at the 2026 edition are Malian midfielder Fatoumata Diarra and Zambian player Racheal Nachula, both aged 40.
Cameroon forward Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné is also set to make history by appearing at her eighth TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, becoming the player with the most tournament appearances in the competition’s history.
The Nigerian side, with Al Hilal (Arabie Saoudite) forward Asisat Oshola, the record six-time African Player of the Year, will be led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade.
As captain of the glory-chasing women,
Ajibade remains the team’s driving force both on and off the pitch, while consistently delivering in important matches.
Leading the women from the dugout, Justine Madugu brings his experience and calmness as the Coach of the Year to push Nigeria for another record-chasing WAFCON.
Madugu, who previously served in various technical roles within the national team set-up, guided the Super Falcons to the 2024 WAFCON title.
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