Nigeria’s women’s national team begins camp ahead of continental showdown amid host nation’s schedule concerns.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are officially ramping up preparations to defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 title, even as the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has asked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to reconsider the competition’s calendar due to scheduling pressures.
The reigning champions who claimed their record-extending 10th WAFCON crown with a stunning 3–2 victory over Morocco in the 2025 final in Rabat — will kick off a training camp in Abuja on February 20 ahead of competitive action that promises to sharpen their form ahead of the continental showpiece.
Head coach Justine Madugu will assemble his squad in the Nigerian capital before the team travels to take part in the WAFU B invitational tournament featuring cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Senegal — an important tune-up event aimed at building match fitness and tactical cohesion for Nigeria’s WAFCON defence.
WAFCON 2026 & Morocco’s Request to CAF
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3 across host cities including Rabat, Casablanca and Fes, remains on CAF’s calendar, but questions over its dates have emerged this week.
Morocco’s football authority has formally asked CAF to consider rescheduling the tournament, citing a congested domestic football calendar that includes the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations, the African Nations Championship (CHAN), the Arab Cup, and ongoing Botola Pro League fixtures — all of which have placed significant strain on scheduling and logistics.
CAF officials have acknowledged the request, and discussions are reportedly ongoing, although no official decision to move the WAFCON 2026 dates has yet been announced.
Super Falcons Title Defence Focus
Nigeria’s squad drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi; will be aiming to retain the continental crown they reclaimed with that thrilling triumph in Morocco nearly a year ago.
Beyond preparation and fitness, Nigeria’s WAFCON defence arrives as the team continues its long-standing legacy as Africa’s most successful women’s national side. With automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil on the line for the top four teams, the stakes in Morocco next March are even higher.
As the Falcons build momentum in training and tune-up tournaments, the Nigerian football community from fans to officials — will be watching closely as CAF deliberates Morocco’s scheduling request in the weeks ahead.
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