Nigeria Chase Record $2m WAFCON Prize as the Super Falcons target an 11th title and automatic World Cup qualification in Morocco

The Super Falcons of Nigeria, led by head coach Justine Madugu, will begin their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco on Sunday with two major ambitions: securing automatic qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and winning a record $2 million first prize.

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The expanded 16-team tournament offers Africa’s four semi-finalists direct qualification for the next Women’s World Cup, while the champions will receive the biggest prize money in the history of the competition.

Nigeria enter the tournament as defending champions and favourites after claiming a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the 2024 final.

The Nigeria WAFCON campaign begins in Group C, where the Super Falcons will face Zambia, Egypt and tournament debutants Malawi.

The group is expected to provide an early test, particularly against a Zambia side featuring prolific forwards Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda.

Madugu said World Cup qualification remains the team’s immediate priority before focusing on retaining the continental title.

“Our first priority is to reach the semi-finals and secure one of the World Cup qualification places,” Madugu said.

“Our second goal is to defend the trophy and bring it back to Nigeria. We know it will not be easy because every other nation wants to depose us. We have in our possession something precious that everybody else wants. However, we will remain resolute and focused and try to achieve both objectives.”

Nigeria’s squad blends experienced internationals with emerging talent drawn from clubs across Europe, Asia and North America.

Midfielder Jennifer Echegini, whose late goal completed Nigeria’s remarkable comeback in the last final, returns alongside forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi, who also scored against Morocco.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade is expected to lead from midfield, while Chiamaka Nnadozie, widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers, provides experience between the posts.

One of the tournament’s notable absences is defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who misses the competition through injury.

A secondary storyline is the inclusion of Fatima Oloko, the only home-based player in the Nigerian squad.

The Abia Angels goalkeeper represents the growing contribution of the domestic league to the national team despite the increasing number of overseas-based players.

The 2026 edition marks another milestone for African women’s football, with the tournament expanding from 12 to 16 teams for the first time.

Morocco is also hosting the championship for the third consecutive edition, reflecting the country’s continued investment in women’s football infrastructure.

Nigeria remain the competition’s most successful nation, having won 10 of the previous 13 editions. Only Equatorial Guinea, with two titles, and South Africa, with one, have previously broken the Super Falcons’ dominance.

Equatorial Guinea failed to qualify this year, while South Africa and hosts Morocco are again among the strongest contenders for the title.

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Beyond defending their crown, the campaign represents an opportunity for the Super Falcons to reinforce their status as Africa’s leading women’s football nation while taking a decisive step towards another appearance on the global stage.