The Super Falcons claimed their 10th continental crown at the last edition, overcoming hosts Morocco in a thrilling five-goal final.
Nigeria fell two goals behind inside the opening 30 minutes but produced a remarkable comeback to secure victory and lift the trophy at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.
They return to North Africa with two major objectives: to successfully defend their title while also securing one of Africa’s four qualification places for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
However, Justine Madugu’s star-studded squad, featuring experienced players and football icon Asisat Oshoala, must first navigate a challenging Group C campaign against Malawi, African powerhouse Zambia and North African side Egypt.
Nigeria's WAFCON group-stage schedule:
Match 1 - Nigeria 2-3 Malawi
Date: Tuesday, July 28th, 2026
Kick-off: 21:00 WAT
Venue: Al Medina Stadium, Rabat
Nigeria began their quest for glory against tournament debutants Malawi, who secured their first-ever WAFCON qualification after overcoming Angola.
Led by the Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha, the Scorchers stunned the Super Falcons 3-2 in the sides' Group C opener.
Read a full match report here.
Match 2 – Nigeria 1-0 Zambia
Date: Saturday, August 1st, 2026
Kick-off: 21:00 WAT
Venue: Al Medina Stadium, Rabat
Nigeria revived their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a crucial 1-0 victory over Zambia at Rabat’s Al Madina Stadium. Asisat Oshoala scored the decisive first-half goal as the Super Falcons held firm despite playing with 10 players for most of the contest following Oluwatosin Demehin’s dismissal.
The win was a major boost for Justine Madugu’s side after their disappointing 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening Group C fixture. Nigeria now have renewed hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Read a full match report here.
Match 3 - Egypt vs Nigeria
Date: Wednesday, August 5th, 2026
Kick-off: 21:00 WAT
Venue: Rabat Olympic Stadium, Rabat
The two countries have met just once in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history.
Nigeria recorded a resounding 6-0 victory over Egypt in their second group game en route to winning a third continental title on home soil in 1998, with the match played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.
A repeat of that scoreline is unlikely in Rabat, given Egypt’s progress and improved strength.
However, the Cleopatras face a tough challenge against a Nigeria side boasting impressive attacking firepower.
For goalkeeper Maha El-Demerdash, the objective is clear: to showcase the progress made by Egyptian women’s football since their last WAFCON appearance in 2016.
"We have worked a lot in recent years. The atmosphere in the team is excellent. We are united, and we believe in our qualities. We want to show a completely different image and go as far as possible," El-Demerdash said.
WAFCON 2026
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is taking place from July 26th to August 16th in Morocco, across venues in Rabat and Casablanca. The continent's 16 best sides are competing in groups of four before the knockout stages commence on August 8th.
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