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Omorinsola Babajide has reaffirmed the Super Falcons’ determination to reclaim the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title ahead of the 2026 tournament, reports Completesports.com.
Justine Madugu’s will be chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON crown when the competition kicks off in Morocco later this month.
The WAFCON 2026 finals will also serve as the African qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Babajide Reveals Super Falcons’ Ambition
Nigeria has featured in every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1991, and Babajide is keen to ensure that remarkable record continues.
“For us as a team, whether we are playing just to be crowned champions of Africa or for qualification to next year’s World Cup, the pressure is the same as we want to win,” Babajide told thenff.com.
Read Also:Babajide Celebrates Super Falcons’ Victory Over Cameroon
“The only pressure actually is the one we put on ourselves. We know what we signed up for as professionals and being the defending champions, we want to retain our trophy.”
WAFCON Expansion No Threat
For the first time since the inception of the WAFCON, 16 teams will compete in this year’s tournament.
Babajide said the expanded tournament has not changed the team’s mindset, insisting that the desire to lift the trophy remains as strong as ever for the defending champions.
“I think it makes it more exciting. We all know that this year’s Women AFCON is also for qualification to the World Cup finals. Of course, we all want to be there. I think it will make it more competitive but for us, the goal remains the same,” added Babajide.
The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C with Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt.
The West Africans will open their campaign against the Scorchers of Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium, Rabat on Tuesday, 28 July.
By Adeboye Amosu
5 Comments
There’s no negotiation, my dear, for the 2027 FIFA Women’s WC qualification. We’re banking on you all, and thank God the core squad is fit now, including star girl, Esther Okoronkwo.
Remember, there are now more ambitious teams in Africa, so you ladoes need to step up your game. I also hope Madugu invites and plays Chioma Okafor and, hopefully, takes her to WC. She must not regret her decision to choose Nigeria over Malawi. her maternal home.
She cannot be in the team based on sympathy..
It’s her choice to represent Nigeria,so she should deal with it,let’s not encourage sentiment.
She’s a young lass.She should focus and improve on her game to the point national team coaches won’t ignore her…
Chioma must earn her place in the team. We must not invite her merely because we don’t want her to regret choosing Nigeria. Playing for national is a serious business.
Honest I will like to see how Nigeria fair in the worldcup with Magdugu’s flair which is in sharp constrast the waldrum’s defensive pattern . So wish u girls all the best.
Madugu seems to have some preferences. I do not know why Esther is not in the team. Monday Gift should replace Oshaola , because Gift is younger and should have being at the last WAFCON. Randy Waldron was beginning to understand the girls when he left, and his initial mistake in the 9th WAFCON was sticking to the oldest players like former captain Onome who at 40 years should have retired from the team. Bayana Bayana girls were just running around her that at a point she had to be replaced. What is and Okoli and Ordega Francisca doing in the National team,somebody like Okoli who is now a mother and out of shape and form. I do not like Nigerian coaches,not that one or two are not good but the are too sentimental and too greedy. Reason why Siasia didn’t continue to excel and Stephen Keshi. Chioma girl is strong and useful in the team,the coach strategically sidelined her at the last WAFCON and has not invited her ever since.