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Justine Madugu has outlined ambitious targets for the Super Falcons ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with the team aiming to retain their continental crown and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Super Falcons claimed a record-extending 10th WAFCON title at the last edition of the tournament in Morocco and will return to the North African nation determined to defend their crown.
The stakes are even higher this time, as the 2026 WAFCON will also serve as the African qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Madugu Outlines Super Falcons’ Ambition
Madugu said the Super Falcons are focused on achieving both objectives—booking a place at the global showpiece and winning a record-extending 11th continental title.
“The next WAFCON will also serve as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, so our priority will first be to ensure that we make it to the World Cup. The second goal will be to defend the trophy and bring it back to Nigeria,” Madugu told CAFonline.
Read Also:Pre-WAFCON 2026 Friendlies: Madugu Unveils Squad For Super Falcons Vs Senegal
“We know it won’t be easy because as champions everybody will now be looking at us. We are holding something precious that everybody wants, but we will remain resolute and focused and try as much as possible to achieve both objectives.
On WAFCON Expansion
The WAFCON 2026 finals will feature an expanded 16-team format for the first time, a move Madugu believes is a major boost for the growth of women’s football across Africa.
“For me, it is a very positive development because expanding WAFCON to 16 teams allows more countries to experience the competition and showcase the progress they have made in developing women’s football.
“It will also help grow the game across the continent because more nations will have the chance to measure themselves against the best, assess their level of investment, and identify areas where they can improve. Beyond the teams, it creates a bigger platform for players to showcase their abilities, improve their careers, and attract more opportunities.
“The expansion will also encourage more investment in women’s football because people will be able to see the level of work being done across different countries and understand the importance of supporting the growth of the women’s game.”
By Adeboye Amosu
1 Comment
Can Coach Justine Madugu Deliver the Goods Again at the Wafcon?
I can actually affirm – based on what I observed from recent low-key, low-budget, low-frills friendlies – that the habile Super Falcons look credibly hungry, heedful and hardened to retain their crown and confine pretenders to the bin of disappointment.
I am disappointed that we are not seeing fresher faces being floated into the Falcons. Instead, we have this revolving door of recycling tried and tested but tired and trite players who have served their motherland exceptionally well but are now long-in-the-tooth and, quite frankly, are overstaying their welcome.
Exceptionally quality Super Falcons Spring Chickens are waiting to be hatched after some of them recently won the Golden Boot in the Nigeria Women Football League, whilst others are winning the Turkish Women’s League and others, pulling up footballing trees in the USA and European leagues.
But I bow to the superior, albeit questionable, judgement of Justine Madugu, more so if his team selection helps him meet the twin-target of qualifying for the World Cup and defending their trophy.
“Our priority will first be to ensure that we make it to the World Cup. The second goal will be to defend the trophy and bring it back to Nigeria,” Madugu told CAFonline.
It is undeniable: the Super Falcons have a forecastle of fabulous forwards, a monumental medley of marvellous midfielders and a deft domain of dominant defenders who are all ready to move heaven and earth to reacquaint the Wafcon trophy with the forewalls of the Aso Rock in Abuja whilst reacquainting their boots with the grass of World Cup stadiums next year.
Only a monumental downturn in fortune can stop them; only a very poor approach to player selection can (potentially) derail them.