Football

Super Falcons Open WAFCON Camp Ahead of Title Defence

Super Falcons Open WAFCON Camp

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have begun the final phase of preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with players arriving in Casablanca ahead of their title defence in Morocco.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Asisat Oshoala, Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran, Shukurat Oladipo, Christy Ucheibe and Fatima Oloko were listed among the early arrivals as the record African champions opened camp, according to the supplied report.

The camp gives head coach Justine Madugu and his technical crew the chance to sharpen the squad before Nigeria begin their tournament campaign. According to the supplied report, the Super Falcons are listed to face Malawi on July 28, Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5 in Group C, with fixture and squad details requiring final CAF/NFF confirmation before publication.

Nnadozie Targets Title Defence and World Cup Ticket

Chiamaka Nnadozie has framed the campaign around control, focus and respect for every opponent, saying Nigeria cannot afford to be distracted by over-confidence.

“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 said, according to the supplied report, adding that the targets are “the FIFA World Cup ticket and retaining the trophy.”

The Brighton goalkeeper also rejected the idea that Nigeria have been handed an easy path, warning that African women’s football has become more competitive.

“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. “For us, we know what we are going for: the Cup and the World Cup ticket.”

For us, we know what we are going for: the Cup and the World Cup ticket.”

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Nigeria enter the tournament as defending champions and are chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title. The expanded 16-team competition is also listed in the supplied report as a qualification route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with semi-finalists earning automatic places and the fifth-placed team moving to the intercontinental play-offs.

Other players expected in camp include Osinachi Ohale, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne, Michelle Alozie, Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun, Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Omorinsola Babajide, Gift Monday and Uchenna Kanu, according to the supplied report.

For the Super Falcons, the pressure is familiar. Nigeria are not only defending a continental crown, they are carrying the weight of expectation that follows the most successful side in African women’s football.

But Nnadozie’s message is clear: no shortcuts, no easy-group talk, no room for complacency.

Independent Digital News Network

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