Nigeria's renowned Super Falcons have officially embarked on their preparations for the highly anticipated 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) by opening their training camp in Casablanca on Monday. This strategic move comes as the team gears up for the continental tournament set to take place in Morocco. Under the guidance of head coach Justine Madugu, a robust squad comprising 25 players has been assembled, with all invited athletes expected to report to camp before the commencement of rigorous training sessions.
After establishing their base in Casablanca, the nine-time African champions will transition to Rabat, where they are scheduled to compete in Group C matches against formidable opponents including Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt. The Super Falcons will kick off their title defense against Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium on August 28, aiming to secure an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title.
Zambia Issues Strong Warning Ahead of Group C Clash
As the tournament approaches, Zambia, one of Nigeria's significant rivals in Group C, has not held back in expressing their determination. Defender Margaret Belemu has emphasized that the Copper Queens have evolved into a considerably stronger team compared to the previous edition, where they faced a significant defeat against Nigeria. Belemu stated, "We know it's a very difficult group, but we're battle-ready. Playing against Nigeria is always a big challenge, and we're looking forward to it." She further acknowledged the prior loss to Nigeria but remains confident in their preparation for a different challenge this time around.
This upcoming encounter between Nigeria and Zambia is poised to be crucial in determining the group's standings. Under the leadership of Swiss coach Nora Häuptle, Zambia has solidified its position as one of Africa's top women's teams. They will draw inspiration from a recent 1-0 victory over Nigeria in the third-place playoff at the 2022 WAFCON, despite the Super Falcons having previously triumphed 5-0 in the quarter-finals of the latest tournament.
Super Falcons Aiming for Another WAFCON Title
As the reigning champions, the Super Falcons enter the tournament not only as titleholders but also as heavy favorites to reclaim the trophy. The team's roster is a balanced mix of seasoned stars and promising newcomers, providing a solid foundation for success. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has expressed hope that the training camp in Casablanca will serve as a launching pad for a triumphant campaign in Morocco.
In related news, it has been reported that Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has opted out of Nigeria's squad for the 2026 WAFCON as she continues to recover from a foot injury sustained earlier this year. The Al-Ittihad Ladies centre-back confirmed that she is not yet fit enough to meet the rigorous demands of tournament football.
As reported by legit.ng.
