Nigeria Eye World Cup Slot As WAFCON Prize Money Hits $2m

Nigeria will begin the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco with two clear targets: qualify for the World Cup and defend the continental title.

The tournament starts on Sunday with a record 16 teams, up from 12 at the previous edition. The winner will also receive a record $2m first prize.

The Super Falcons remain the team to beat. Nigeria have won the competition 10 times and are the defending champions after coming from two goals down to beat Morocco 3-2 in the last final.

Coach Justine Madugu said Nigeria’s first aim is to reach the semi-finals, which would secure one of Africa’s four automatic World Cup places. He said the second target is to retain the trophy.

Madugu named a 25-player squad with players from clubs in Mexico, Israel, China and other leagues. Goalkeeper Fatima Oloko of Abia Angels is the only home-based player listed.

Rasheedat Ajibade will captain the team. The squad also includes Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jennifer Echegini, Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi.

Nigeria are in Group C with Zambia, Egypt and Malawi. Zambia carry a strong attacking threat through Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda, while Malawi arrive with Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga among their leading forwards.

Morocco are hosting the tournament for the third straight time. Matches will be played in Rabat and Casablanca, with extra placement games for quarter-final losers to decide intercontinental World Cup play-off slots.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard