Super Falcons Gear Up for WAFCON 2026 Title Defence

Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the reigning champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, have been drawn into Group C for the 2026 edition, set to take place in Morocco.

The team will face Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi in the group stage, with matches scheduled to be played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

As Justine Madugu targets a record-extending 11th WAFCON crown, the Super Falcons find themselves in a compelling Group C.

The draw features a debut clash against Malawi and a rematch with Zambia, whom Nigeria thrashed 5-0 in last year’s quarter-finals.

Egypt completes the group’s lineup. Meanwhile, tournament hosts Morocco prepare for a third consecutive finals on home soil, opening their campaign in Group A against Algeria, Senegal, and Kenya.

South Africa, winners in 2022, will face Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania in Group C while Ghana were handed games with Cameroon, Mali and debutants Cape Verde in group D.

The four semi-finalists at the tournament will qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with the losing quarter-finalists playing off for two spots at an inter-confederation qualifier.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) made the decision to expand WAFCON from 12 to 16 teams midway through qualification, leading to Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali and Egypt progressing to the finals based on their world ranking after losing their second-round ties.

The 2026 edition comes just eight months after the 2024 tournament, which was delayed because of scheduling issues that included the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The finals will be held from Tuesday, 17 March to Friday, 3 April – a timespan four days shorter than the 2024 finals, which featured six fewer games.

Matches will be played at two stadiums in Rabat, with one each in Casablanca and Fes.

Ahead of the draw Caf president Patrice Motsepe said he aims to increase both the prize money for WAFCON and the salaries of female players on the continent.

Nigeria received $1m for lifting the trophy last July, while the winners of the men’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday will pick up $10m.

WAFCON 2026 group draw

Group A: Morocco (hosts), Algeria, Senegal, Kenya.

Group B: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania.

Group C: Nigeria (holders), Zambia, Egypt, Malawi.

Group D: Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde.