RABAT, Morocco — Defending champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons have arrived in Rabat ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as the nine-time African champions intensify preparations for the start of their title defence.
The team touched down in the Moroccan capital after completing a 10-day training camp in Casablanca, where head coach Justine Madugu fine-tuned tactics, fitness and squad cohesion ahead of the continental tournament.
The players arrived in high spirits and were photographed wearing coordinated green-and-white traditional outfits complemented by matching headwraps, reflecting both confidence and national pride as they prepare for another campaign on Africa’s biggest women’s football stage.
Nigeria heads into the tournament with renewed momentum after recording a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their final warm-up match on Thursday, a performance that provided a timely confidence boost ahead of the opening fixture.
The friendly gave Madugu another opportunity to assess his squad, test tactical combinations and ensure the players are match-ready before competitive action begins.
The Super Falcons will play all their Group B fixtures in Rabat, where they will be aiming to secure an early qualification to the knockout stages and continue their quest for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Nigeria will begin its campaign against tournament debutants Malawi at Al Madina Stadium on Tuesday. The opening fixture is expected to provide the defending champions with an opportunity to make an early statement as they seek a positive start to the competition.
The Falcons will then face Zambia’s Copper Queens, one of the tournament’s strongest contenders, in what is widely expected to be a crucial encounter in the race for top spot in the group.
Nigeria will conclude its group-stage campaign against Egypt’s Cleopatras at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, with the final standings expected to determine the quarter-final pairings.
The Super Falcons enter the championship as one of the favourites, having dominated women’s football on the continent for decades. Their impressive record includes multiple WAFCON titles and consistent appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympic Games, making them one of Africa’s most successful national teams.
Head coach Justine Madugu has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and discipline throughout the competition, with the technical crew aiming to blend experienced players with emerging talents capable of sustaining Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.
Supporters will be hoping the team’s encouraging preparations, strong squad depth and winning mentality translate into another successful tournament as Nigeria seeks to defend its continental crown and reaffirm its status as the leading force in African women’s football.
