Asisat Oshoala WAFCON comments underline Nigeria’s ambition to retain the title as the Super Falcons prepare for the tournament in Morocco

Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria’s six-time African Women’s Player of the Year and Super Falcons forward, has described the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as a prize “worth fighting for” as the defending champions step up preparations for the 2026 tournament in Morocco.

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Oshoala, one of the first players to report to Nigeria’s training camp in Casablanca, said the Super Falcons remain determined to retain the continental title while urging greater investment in promoting women’s football across Africa.

“I am looking forward to Nigeria winning it again. It’s something to always fight for, but I feel like each edition there has to be a form of improvement on and off the pitch,” Oshoala said during a Confederation of African Football Media Stars Spotlight session.

The 31-year-old added that increased fan engagement and stronger promotion would help raise the profile of the women’s game across the continent.

“I really want to see more fans out there and it was better than the previous ones. I think more promotions for this one will preach more about African women’s football,” she said.

Nigeria enter the tournament as the most successful team in WAFCON history, having lifted the trophy a record 10 times.

The Super Falcons are chasing an 11th continental title when the competition runs from 25 July to 16 August in Morocco.

Oshoala has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s recent success, winning the championship in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2024.

The former FC Barcelona star reflected on her international career, describing it as a rewarding experience while acknowledging there is still room for growth.

“It’s been an amazing journey for me personally having to experience all of this and playing in other continents. It’s been pretty impressive and there are always room for improvement,” Oshoala said.

The Super Falcons, led by head coach Justine Madugu, have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt. Nigeria will open its campaign against tournament debutants Malawi in Rabat on 28 July.

Beyond the race for continental honours, this year’s tournament carries added significance as it serves as a qualification route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification, while the best-performing quarter-finalist will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.

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With expectations high and preparations gathering pace, Oshoala’s remarks reflect both Nigeria’s ambition to defend its crown and a broader desire to see African women’s football continue its impressive growth on and off the pitch.