Morocco hosts the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations starting this Sunday, with a World Cup ticket and a record $2 million prize for the winners at stake. The tournament expands to 16 nations for the first time, up from 12 teams in the previous edition.
Nigeria arrive as the team everyone wants to stop. The 10-time champions and defending titleholders stunned Morocco 3-2 in the last final, recovering from a two-goal deficit at half-time.
Jennifer Echegini netted the decisive goal in that comeback win. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder will return to seek another gold medal at the biennial African showpiece.
Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi also scored in that final and will pursue further medals. Both strikers featured prominently in Nigeria's triumph.
Coach Justine Madugu has set clear ambitions for the Super Falcons. "Our first goal is reaching the semi-finals and securing one of four World Cup spots reserved for Africa," he told reporters.
He added: "Our second objective is defending the trophy and bringing it back to Nigeria. We know it won't be easy because every nation wants to remove us from the throne."
Madugu explained the challenge ahead. "We possess something precious that everybody else wants, but we'll remain resolute and focused to achieve both targets," according to him.
The coach selected 25 players blending experience with youth from clubs across Mexico, Israel and China. Goalkeeper Fatima Oloko from Abia Angels provides the sole domestic representative.
Defender Ashleigh Plumptre misses out through injury. The England-born Al Ittihad player was part of Nigeria's 2024-winning squad but won't feature this time.
Midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade captains the side. The PSG star leads a squad containing Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, widely considered Africa's finest keeper.
Nigeria face Zambia, Egypt and debutants Malawi in Group C. Zambian striker Racheal Kundananji transferred from Madrid to American club Bay FC last year in a record deal for a female player.
Barbra Banda provides consistent attacking threat for Zambia. Malawi's sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, playing for Lyon and Kansas City Current respectively, pose undeniable quality.
South Africa top Group B ahead of Tanzania, the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. Morocco, seeking a first title after losing consecutive finals, compete in Group A against Algeria, Senegal and Kenya.
The Morocco-Algeria match on July 30 carries political weight. Deep tensions between the neighbours centre on disputed Western Sahara and historical border conflicts.
Ghana, bronze medalists last year, occupy Group D with three-time finalists Cameroon and newcomers Cape Verde. Nigeria will eye the World Cup spots as their primary target, though retaining the trophy remains equally important.
