WAFCON
No Retreat, No surrender, says Coach Madugu as Super Falcons Set Sights on 10th WAFCON Title
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have their eyes firmly on the prize. They are preparing to face host nation Morocco in Saturday’s final of the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Assistant coach Justine Madugu declares that the nine-time champions are determined to reclaim their continental crown.
On Wednesday, as the Falcons departed Casablanca for Rabat, Madugu spoke. Rabat is the venue of the highly anticipated showdown. Madugu stressed that there will be no room for complacency. This follows their hard-earned semi-final victory over reigning champions South Africa.
“We thank God for making it to the final,” Madugu said. “I want to assure you that we are not going to relent or take our eyes off the ball. Our focus is on lifting the trophy in Rabat on Saturday.”
The Falcons secured a victory over a resilient Banyana Banyana side. They won 2-1 on Tuesday night. The game was decided by a stunning last-gasp cross-cum-shot from defender Michelle Alozie.
The result marked another tactical triumph for the Nigerian technical crew. They have tailored their approach to suit each opponent throughout the tournament.
“We knew South Africa, as Cup holders, would be difficult, but we were ready for them. I am glad that our tactics paid off. Before the tournament, I mentioned we will always assess the opposition first. Then we determine what tactics would suit us better and serve our purpose,” Madugu explained.
Nigeria will face a rapidly rising Moroccan side in the final. The match will take place at Rabat’s 60,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. It is scheduled for 9 pm local time on Saturday. The match mirrors the men’s AFCON final earlier this year, where the Super Eagles faced host nation Côte d’Ivoire, again overcoming South Africa in the semi-finals.
Led by Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose leadership and class have been pivotal, the Falcons boast a well-balanced team.
The firepower of Chinwendu Ihezuo adds strength. Esther Okoronkwo and Jennifer Echegini bring flair. Folasade Ijamilusi’s pace is remarkable.
Defender Ashleigh Plumptre has an attacking instinct. These attributes complement the safe hands of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who has been named Africa’s best shot-stopper twice.
The Falcons have netted 11 goals in the tournament. They conceded just once. This was a penalty by South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo in the semi-final.
Nigeria’s dominance in women’s football stretches back to the inaugural edition in 1998, when they thrashed Morocco 8-0 In Kaduna.
Two years later, they hammered the North Africans 6-0 in South Africa. However, the tables turned three years ago. Morocco hosted the match and eliminated Nigeria on penalties in the semi-finals after a 1-1 draw.
Since then, the Lionesses have transformed into a formidable force. They have reached consecutive WAFCON finals. They have also become regulars on the world stage.
Saturday’s final is set to be a clash of legacy versus ambition. It features the most decorated team in African women’s football. They will face a host side determined to lift the trophy for the first time.
With a full house expected in Rabat, the stage is set for a spectacular finale. It underlines the growth of women’s football across the continent.
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By Kunle Solaja.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed, with Africa’s football governing body announcing new dates for the tournament in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition. It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.
CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.
In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.
Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 edition of the tournament, is expected to leverage its modern stadium infrastructure and growing reputation as a major football events destination to deliver another high-profile competition.
CAF expressed confidence that the revised schedule will allow all stakeholders to adequately prepare for the tournament.
“Preparations for the WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the governing body stated.
The tournament will bring together Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental supremacy, with the rescheduling expected to give organisers additional time to ensure optimal preparations for the event.
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The Confederation of African Football has announced that it will issue an official communication within the next 48 hours regarding the situation surrounding the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
In a brief message posted on social media, CAF indicated that the matter has been under extensive discussion in recent weeks and is currently receiving urgent attention at the highest levels of the organisation.
“CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There have been several discussions over the past weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” the confederation stated.
Although CAF did not provide specific details about the issue under review, the statement suggests that senior officials within the continental governing body are working toward a resolution.
The development has sparked anticipation across the African football community, particularly among national teams preparing for the women’s continental championship.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to clarify the circumstances and outline the next steps for the tournament when it releases its official update within the stipulated timeframe.
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Reigning African champions Nigeria produced a commanding response, defeating Cameroon 3–1 on Tuesday in the second of their pre-WAFCON international friendlies in Yaounde.
Three days after suffering a narrow 1–0 loss at the Military Stadium, the Super Falcons returned to the same venue. They delivered a far more assured performance, underlining their pedigree as perennial continental powerhouses.
Head Coach Justin Madugu rang the changes, making seven alterations to the starting line-up that featured in Saturday’s defeat. However, it was Cameroon who struck first again, netting in the seventh minute to momentarily raise concerns of a repeat setback.
Nigeria responded with composure and growing authority.
Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo restored parity in the 32nd minute, rising above her marker to power home a header from a well-delivered cross by Rinsola Babajide. The equaliser settled the Falcons, who began to dictate tempo and press with greater coordination.
Just before the break, the comeback was completed. After a scramble inside the Cameroonian box, Babajide reacted quickest to fire home in the 43rd minute, turning provider into scorer to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead at halftime.
Madugu’s reshaped midfield proved decisive, pressing higher up the pitch, shutting down central channels and forcing the Lionesses into speculative long balls.
The Falcons extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, influential down the right flank, delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Michelle Alozie attacked the ball with conviction, launching into a flying header that made it 3–1 and effectively sealed the contest.
Both sides treated the two-match series as crucial preparation for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
For Nigeria, the emphatic victory not only avenged Saturday’s defeat but also reaffirmed their status as Africa’s benchmark in women’s football heading into the continental showpiece.
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