Nigeria opens WAFCON 2026, aims for World Cup berth

The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, July 26, with defending champions Nigeria beginning their quest for a record-extending 11th continental title. The tournament, which runs until August 16, features a record 16 nations and will double as the primary qualification route for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

Nigeria, the continent's highest-ranked women's team, enters as the favorite after a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the 2024 final. Coach Justine Madugu has named a 25-player squad blending experience and youth, captained by Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade. The team will be without injured defender Ashleigh Plumptre from the previous winning squad. Madugu stated the team's primary objective is to reach the semifinals to secure a World Cup berth, with defending the trophy as the second goal. He acknowledged the challenge, noting every other nation wants to depose the champions.

The Super Falcons are drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and debutants Malawi. Their campaign begins against Malawi on July 27. Zambia, led by star forwards Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, is widely considered...