The Super Falcons’ preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations gathered momentum on Monday as players began arriving at their camp in Casablanca, Morocco, ahead of their title defence, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, defenders Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo, midfielder Christy Ucheibe, and Abia Angels goalkeeper Fatima Oloko were among the first players to report to camp as the record 10-time African champions began the final phase of preparations for the continental showpiece.
The training programme will provide head coach Justine Madugu and his technical crew the opportunity to fine-tune tactics, improve team cohesion and ensure the squad reaches peak physical condition before moving to Rabat for the tournament.
Nigeria will head into the competition, scheduled to hold from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco, aiming to retain their continental crown, extend their record to 11 titles and secure one of the qualification places for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Other stars in Madugu’s 25-player squad expected to arrive in camp include Osinachi Ohale, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne, Michelle Alozie, Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun, Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Omorinsola Babajide, Gift Monday and Uchenna Kanu.
- FutbolConect eyes African football revolution
- Nnadozie tops WSL keepers’ chart
- Falcons to battle Ghana in pre-WAFCON friendly
Portsmouth goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, Israel-based defender Sikiratu Isah, Sweden-based forward Joy Omewa and China-based Folashade Ijamilusi are also expected in camp.
Drawn in Group C, the Super Falcons will begin their title defence against Malawi on July 28 before facing Zambia on August 1. They will conclude their group campaign against Egypt on August 5.
Nigeria are chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in last year’s final to win their 10th continental crown.
The expanded 16-team tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification for the finals in Brazil, while the fifth-placed team will advance to the intercontinental play-offs.
Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
NEWS UPDATE: Nigerians can now earn as much as $15,000- $25,000 with premium domains. You decide if you want payment in Naira or US Dollars. Be sure to ask for evidence and proof of people benefitting daily from this. CLICK HERE TO START. Click here to start.
Source: The Punch
