Twelve nations have officially booked their tickets to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, setting the stage for another captivating edition of the continent’s premier women’s football tournament.

Ten-time champions Nigeria headline the list of qualified teams and remain the undisputed benchmark in African women’s football.

With their eyes firmly set on record-extending 11th continental crown, the Super Falcons will enter Morocco 2026 as strong favourites to extend their dominance and reaffirm their legacy.

Their mix of experience and emerging stars has continued to deliver consistency, making Nigeria the team every rival measures themselves against.

Morocco Aim to Turn Passion into Glory

As hosts, Morocco will be driven by their passionate home supporters, hoping to go one better after falling narrowly to South Africa (1–2) in the 2022 final and 2-3 to Nigeria earlier this year. The Atlas Lionesses, runners-up at the last two editions, have become one of the continent’s most technically polished sides and will seek to translate home advantage into a maiden title.

Familiar Faces and Rising Challengers

Ghana, who finished third at the previous tournament, return with renewed ambition, while Zambia and South Africa—both now permanent fixtures among Africa’s elite—complete a formidable group of favourites. In a competition where margins are often slim, every detail could decide the difference between triumph and heartbreak.

Yet, Morocco 2026 will not just be about the established powers. Cape Verde and Malawi will both make historic first appearances, marking a significant milestone in the development of women’s football within their nations.

Meanwhile, Kenya and Burkina Faso, returning to the finals after lengthy absences, will aim to prove their progress and secure their footing among the continent’s best.

Emerging Sides Extend Their Momentum

Several rising teams also continued their upward trajectory during the qualifiers. Senegal, Algeria, and Tanzania advanced in convincing fashion, underlining the growing parity and quality across African women’s football.

The widening competitive field reflects a sport in transformation—one where traditional hierarchies are being steadily challenged and the talent pool continues to deepen.

Road to Brazil 2027

Beyond continental bragging rights, the 2026 WAFCON carries significant implications for global football. The four semi-finalists will earn automatic qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ in Brazil, while two additional nations will have a second chance throughthe intercontinental play-offs.

With World Cup tickets and continental glory on the line, every match, every point, and every goal will carry weight as the continent’s best converge on Morocco next year.

Qualified Nations for Morocco 2026 WAFCON:
Morocco (hosts), Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, Senegal, Algeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Malawi

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Champions Nigeria qualified for next year’s Women Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-1 draw with Bénin Republic in the return leg of the final round of the qualification series in Abeokuta on Tuesday, which resulted in an aggregate 3-1 win for the 10-time winners.

The Amazons turned out to be credible fighters at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, as they approached the game with vigour, passion and vibrancy, with the pacy and nimble-footed Dossi Germaine Honfo and Yenido Romaine Gandonou the lead orchestrators.

However, the Super Falcons were calm, collected and confident, and the Amazons’ rearguard had to spiritedly clear their lines after Captain Rasheedat Ajibade freed Asisat Oshoala as the Falcons surged forward in the 8^th minute.

Five minutes later, it was no surprise that they got on the scoresheet, when defender Ashley Plumptre nodded firmly into the net from a corner by Esther Okoronkwo.

In the 23^rd minute, Oshoala’s firm header from another Okoronkwo corner missed narrowly, and in the 34^th minute, Michelle Alozie’s header was a little above the sticks from Oshoala’s cross. There was still time for Okoronkwo to side-net from a free-kick with four minutes left in the first period.

The Amazons began to pour forward in the 56^th minute, when Chiamaka Nnadozie saved from Gandonou, and then had to stretch full length to push away a shot from 25 yards by Yolande Gnammi two minutes later.

The game turned into a real contest on the hour, when Yasminath Djibril struck the ball high and above Nnadozie into the net from a free-kick on the left, for the equalizer.

Nigeria had opportunities to increase the tally, with Folashade Ijamilusi missing from close range after goalkeeper Sourakatou Alassane uncharacteristically dropped the ball, and Alassane saved from Ajibade in the 77^th minute. Substitute Joy Omewa and Ijamilusi combined in the 90^th minute, but Alassane was up to the task.

Qualification means Nigeria have the opportunity to not only defend their title in Morocco next year, but also aim for an 11^th title in 14 championships, as well as a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.   

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Head Coach Justine Madugu says Nigeria’s Super Falcons will not underestimate the Amazons of Bénin Republic when both teams clash in the second leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying fixture in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

Nigeria, ten-time African champions, are firmly in control of the tie after a 2–0 first-leg victory in Lome on Friday, courtesy of goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo.

But Madugu insists the return leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium Complex, Abeokuta, will be no walk in the park.

“We are looking forward to a tough game from the Beninoise, but we will be ready,” Madugu said. “Our goal is qualification for the 2026 WAFCON, where we hope to retain our title and further qualify for the World Cup in Brazil in 2027.”

The coach warned that the Amazons, who boast about ten foreign-based players from Germany, France, Morocco, and Equatorial Guinea, have the quality to pose serious threats.

“They gave a good account of themselves in the first leg. Underrating any African team now could be at your own peril. We’re not taking anything for granted — we’ll be ready to go all out for victory,” he added.

Madugu is expected to stick largely with the squad that started in Lome, led by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, with Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, and Ashley Plumptre in defence. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Deborah Abiodun, and Taiwo Afolabi will marshal the midfield, while Ihezuo, Okoronkwo, and Folashade Ijamilusi lead the attack.

‘Gazelle’ Esther Okoronkwo in full flow on Friday.

Six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala and youngsters Joy Omewa and Kafayat Mafisere remain strong options from the bench.

The match kicks off at 4 p.m. on Tuesday in Abeokuta, with the aggregate winner booking a ticket to the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, slated for Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026.

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