Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has insisted Nigeria cannot afford to lose focus at any stage of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as the defending champions begin their final preparations for the tournament in Morocco, The PUNCH reports.
The Brighton goalkeeper, who was among the first players to arrive at the team’s training camp in Casablanca on Monday, said the Super Falcons would approach the competition one game at a time as they chase a record-extending 11th continental title and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“We will take it one match at a time because we cannot afford to stumble at any stage as a result of over-confidence. We will be focused squarely on the double targets of FIFA World Cup ticket and retaining the trophy,” Nnadozie told NFF Media.
The 2026 edition of WAFCON will feature 16 teams for the first time, but the reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year believes the expanded format will only make the competition more competitive without altering Nigeria’s approach.
“It is interesting to have more teams at the finals (16 now, up from 12). That will make the tournament more competitive, but we are calm and focused regardless of the number of teams in the finals,” she added.
Preparations gathered pace on Monday as players began reporting to camp in Casablanca ahead of a week-long training programme in nearby Mohammedia.
- Ashe declares readiness for Commonwealth Games
- FutbolConect eyes African football revolution
- Nnadozie tops WSL keepers’ chart
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, 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 goalkeeper Fatima Oloko were among the early arrivals alongside Nnadozie.
The training camp will give head coach Justine Madugu and his technical crew the opportunity to fine-tune tactics, build team chemistry and ensure the players reach peak physical condition before the team moves to Rabat for the tournament.
Nigeria will head into the competition, which runs from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco, aiming to defend their title, extend their record to 11 WAFCON crowns and secure one of the qualification places for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Other members of Madugu’s 25-player squad, including 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, are expected to join the camp in the coming days.
Drawn in Group C, the Super Falcons will begin their title defence against Malawi on July 28 before taking on Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5 as they seek another successful continental campaign.
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
