Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has called on her teammates to remain fully focused as Nigeria begins preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, insisting that the reigning champions cannot afford to lose concentration at any point in the competition.
The highly rated shot stopper, who recently completed a move to English Women’s Super League side Brighton, was among the first players to report to the Super Falcons training camp in Casablanca as preparations gathered momentum ahead of the continental tournament.
Speaking with the Nigeria Football Federation media team after arriving in camp, Nnadozie stressed that Nigeria’s quest to retain the WAFCON title and qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup requires complete discipline, determination and humility.
According to the African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, every match in the competition should be treated like a final because the standard of women’s football across Africa has improved significantly over the years.
She explained that the Super Falcons would approach the tournament one game at a time instead of looking too far ahead.
The goalkeeper noted that overconfidence has no place in a competition where every participating nation is eager to dethrone Nigeria, the continent’s most successful women’s football team.
Nnadozie said the players understand the enormous responsibility placed on them by millions of Nigerians and are determined to justify that confidence through hard work and consistent performances.
The 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be historic as it features 16 teams for the first time, an expansion that is expected to increase competition across the continent.
Rather than seeing the new format as an obstacle, Nnadozie believes it presents an opportunity for African women’s football to continue its impressive growth while encouraging Nigeria to maintain its high standards.
She admitted that the expanded tournament would make every fixture more demanding but maintained that the Super Falcons are mentally prepared for the challenge ahead.
Nigeria heads into the championship as defending champions after lifting their record tenth WAFCON title, and the team is now targeting an unprecedented eleventh continental crown.
Beyond defending their title, the Super Falcons are also aiming to secure one of the qualification places available for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Preparations officially began in Casablanca with several senior players arriving early for camp.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, veteran forward Asisat Oshoala, defenders Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo were among the first group of players to report.
Midfielder Christy Ucheibe and goalkeeper Fatima Oloko also joined the early arrivals as head coach Justine Madugu commenced the final phase of preparations.
The technical crew will use the training programme in Morocco to improve tactical understanding, strengthen team chemistry and ensure every player reaches peak fitness before the tournament kicks off later this month.
More members of the 25-player squad are expected to arrive in camp in the coming days, including experienced defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Halimatu Ayinde, playmaker Jennifer Echegini, forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Gift Monday, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Uchenna Kanu and Omorinsola Babajide.
The presence of these experienced internationals is expected to provide balance and leadership while blending with the younger players in the squad.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt.
The Super Falcons will open their title defence against Malawi before facing Zambia in what is expected to be one of the toughest fixtures in the group.
Their final group match will come against Egypt as they seek qualification for the knockout stages.
Football analysts believe the encounter against Zambia could play a major role in determining who finishes top of the group, considering Zambia’s rapid improvement in women’s football over recent years.
Despite Nigeria’s rich history in the competition, the players are aware that reputation alone will not be enough to guarantee success.
Several African nations have invested heavily in women’s football, leading to stronger domestic leagues, improved coaching and increased exposure for players competing in Europe and other top leagues.
This development has narrowed the gap between traditional powerhouses and emerging contenders, making every match increasingly competitive.
For Nnadozie, however, the Super Falcons possess the quality, experience and winning mentality needed to overcome every obstacle, provided the team remains united and disciplined throughout the tournament.
Her message reflects the mindset within the squad as Nigeria prepares for another major continental assignment.
With expectations high and millions of supporters eager to see another successful campaign, the Super Falcons know there will be little room for mistakes.
If they can maintain the focus demanded by Nnadozie while executing the tactical plans of coach Justine Madugu, Nigeria will once again enter the tournament as one of the strongest favourites to lift Africa’s biggest women’s football prize and continue their remarkable dominance on the continent.
