Nigeria's Super Falcons kick off their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Malawi on Sunday in Morocco, hunting for a record-extending 11th continental crown. The tournament runs from July 26 to August 16, with 16 teams competing across Morocco's five stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca.
The Super Falcons are drawn in Group C with Malawi, Zambia and Egypt. Nigeria opens against Malawi on July 27, then faces Zambia on July 31 before meeting Egypt on August 4.
Coach Justin Madugu has blended experienced campaigners with fresh talent for the continental showpiece. Key names include captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and forwards Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi.
Zambia present the group's biggest threat, led by BBC Women's Footballer of the Year Barbra Banda and striker Racheal Kundananji. Nigeria thrashed Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals of the last WAFCON.
Egypt return after sitting out the previous edition, while Malawi make their debut in the expanded tournament format. Despite Nigeria's dominance, Madugu warned his squad cannot afford complacency.
"We know every team now believes they can challenge Nigeria. We have to earn every victory through discipline, hard work and consistency," he said.
The tournament doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists secure automatic World Cup spots, with defeated quarter-finalists battling for two intercontinental playoff places.
The Confederation of African Football has sweetened the prize purse considerably. The champions pocket two million dollars, with the total fund reaching 5.8 million dollars and each nation receiving 150,000 dollars.
Morocco, runners-up last time and now hosts, rank among the favourites under Jorge Vilda's coaching. South Africa, the 2022 champions, and Ghana, returning after missing the last edition, also harbour title ambitions.
The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals on August 8. Nigeria has claimed 10 of 13 editions since 1998 and aims to extend that remarkable record on Moroccan soil.
