Nigeria’s quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title has gathered momentum as the Super Falcons officially commenced their training camp in Casablanca, Morocco, ahead of the 2026 WAFCON tournament.
The team’s arrival in the North African nation marks the beginning of the final phase of preparations for the continental championship, where the defending champions will seek to retain their crown and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Head coach Justine Madugu welcomed the first batch of players to camp on Monday as the Nigeria Football Federation accelerated preparations for what promises to be one of the most competitive editions of the tournament in history.
Among the early arrivals were captain Rasheedat Ajibade, reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie, six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, midfield powerhouse Christy Ucheibe and defenders Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo. Goalkeeper Fatima Oloko also reported to camp as preparations officially got underway.
The remaining invited players are expected to join the squad over the coming days, allowing the coaching crew to begin full-scale tactical and physical training before the team relocates to Rabat for the championship.
The training programme has been carefully designed to help Madugu and his assistants fine-tune tactical systems, improve team chemistry and ensure every player reaches peak fitness before Nigeria’s opening fixture. The coaching staff will also use the camp to evaluate combinations across all departments as the Falcons prepare for a demanding tournament schedule.
Nigeria heads into the competition with enormous expectations after winning a record 10th WAFCON title in the previous edition. The Super Falcons remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team and are widely regarded as favourites to once again challenge for continental glory.
However, the expanded 16-team tournament is expected to provide stiffer opposition than ever before as women’s football continues to experience remarkable growth across Africa. Several countries have invested heavily in player development, coaching structures and domestic leagues, reducing the gap between traditional giants and emerging contenders.
The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and tournament debutants Malawi.
Many football observers believe Zambia will present Nigeria’s toughest challenge in the group after the Copper Queens established themselves among Africa’s strongest women’s teams in recent years.
Despite the difficult draw, the Nigerian squad remains confident that its blend of experienced internationals and exciting young talents can deliver another successful campaign.
The camp in Casablanca also provides an opportunity for new players to integrate with established stars before competitive action begins later this month.
Experienced campaigners such as Osinachi Ohale, Francisca Ordega, Halimatu Ayinde, Uchenna Kanu and Chinwendu Ihezuo are expected to add valuable leadership, while younger players including Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini and Omorinsola Babajide bring fresh energy and creativity to the squad.
Earlier, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie urged her teammates to avoid complacency despite Nigeria’s status as defending champions.
The Brighton goalkeeper insisted that the Super Falcons must approach every match with complete concentration, stressing that overconfidence could prove costly in a tournament featuring several ambitious opponents. She added that Nigeria’s twin objectives remain defending the WAFCON trophy and qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Madugu is expected to build his tactical plans around a balanced squad capable of combining defensive solidity with attacking flair.
With players competing in top leagues across Europe, North America and Africa, Nigeria possesses one of the strongest squads entering the tournament.
The coming days in Casablanca will focus on sharpening match fitness, strengthening tactical discipline and building unity among the players before competitive action begins.
The atmosphere in camp has already reflected the excitement surrounding another major continental assignment, with players eager to make a positive impression and cement their places in the starting lineup.
Nigeria’s rich history in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations means expectations will always remain high, but the Super Falcons have repeatedly shown an ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stages.
As preparations continue in Morocco, the team’s ambition is clear. Beyond defending their continental title, the Super Falcons want to reinforce their dominance in African women’s football and secure another appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
With experienced leaders, talented young players and a technical crew focused on every detail, Nigeria believes the journey that began in Casablanca can end with another historic triumph on African soil.
