Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie says Nigeria will approach the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) one match at a time as the defending champions chase a record-extending 11th continental title and qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The three-time African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year said the nine-time African champions are determined to avoid complacency when the expanded 16-team tournament kicks off in Morocco from July 26 to August 16.
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Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi.
“We will take it one match at a time because we cannot afford to stumble at any stage as a result of over-confidence,” Nnadozie told the NFF.
“We will be focused squarely on the double targets of FIFA World Cup qualification and retaining the trophy.”
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The Paris FC goalkeeper welcomed the expansion of the tournament from 12 to 16 teams, saying it would make the competition more competitive but would not distract the Super Falcons from their objectives.
“It is interesting to have more teams at the finals. That will make the tournament more competitive, but we are calm and focused regardless of the number of teams,” she said.
No easy opponents
Nnadozie also dismissed suggestions that some groups are tougher than others, insisting that the gap between Africa’s traditional powerhouses and emerging teams has narrowed significantly.
“I don’t share the belief that any group is tougher than the others. Honestly, right now in Africa, there are no longer minnows,” she said.
“There will be a lot of surprises in this tournament because the so-called smaller teams will be keen to prove they are no pushovers. Every team deserves respect and must be taken seriously.”
The 25-year-old reiterated Nigeria’s ambition of reclaiming continental supremacy while securing another appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“For us, we know what we are going for: the Cup and the World Cup ticket. It will not be easy, but we are the Super Falcons of Nigeria,” she said.
The Super Falcons remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team and will head to Morocco seeking to reinforce their dominance on the continent while booking another place on football’s biggest stage.
