Nigeria’s Super Falcons booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in emphatic fashion after cruising to a 6-2 victory over Egypt in their final Group C fixture on Wednesday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The 10th-time African champions delivered a dominant attacking display from start to finish, bouncing back from their opening defeat to Malawi to secure a convincing win that sealed progression to the knockout stage.

The victory ensured the Super Falcons finished the group stage on six points, guaranteeing their place in the last eight while keeping their hopes of reclaiming the continental title firmly alive.

Nigeria's attacking unit proved too much for the Egyptians to handle, scoring six times in an entertaining contest despite conceding twice.

The comprehensive victory also marked a strong response from Justine Madugu's side following criticism after their shock defeat to Malawi, with the Super Falcons producing one of their most impressive attacking performances of the tournament.

The Super Falcons will now shift their attention to the quarter-finals as they continue their quest for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.

Nigeria's Super Falcons head into their decisive Group C clash against Egypt knowing that qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) remains firmly in their own hands, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The nine-time African champions sit second in the group with three points from two matches after bouncing back from their opening defeat to Malawi with a crucial 1-0 victory over Zambia.

Current Group C Standings

Malawi – 6 points

Nigeria – 3 points

Zambia – 3 points

Egypt – 0 points

Nigeria currently holds the advantage over Zambia courtesy of their 1-0 head-to-head victory over the Copper Queens earlier in the tournament.

The final Group C fixtures will be played simultaneously on Wednesday, with Nigeria taking on Egypt while group leaders Malawi face Zambia. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 9:00 p.m. Nigerian time.

What happens if Nigeria win?

A victory over Egypt would put the Super Falcons in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals.

Nigeria will qualify automatically if Malawi avoid defeat against Zambia.

Should Zambia defeat Malawi, all three teams would finish on six points. Qualification would then be determined by the head-to-head mini-table involving Nigeria, Malawi and Zambia.

In that scenario, Nigeria would advance in virtually every outcome. The only exception would be if Zambia secure a one-goal victory in a high-scoring game in which Malawi score at least three goals, such as a 4-3 or 5-4 result.

What happens if Nigeria draw?

A draw against Egypt would be enough to secure qualification if Malawi avoid defeat against Zambia.

However, if Zambia defeat Malawi, Nigeria would be eliminated despite taking a point from Egypt.

What happens if Nigeria lose?

Defeat would leave the Super Falcons depending on the outcome of the other group fixture.

Nigeria could still progress if Malawi defeat Zambia and the Super Falcons lose to Egypt by no more than three goals. Any other combination of results would end their title defence at the group stage.

The simplest route to qualification

Nigeria's path to the quarter-finals is straightforward:

Avoid defeat against Egypt.

Hope Malawi avoid defeat against Zambia.

If both conditions are met, the Super Falcons will book their place in the knockout stage.

What's at stake?

As the most successful nation in WAFCON history, Nigeria entered the tournament among the favourites to reclaim the continental title. Failure to progress beyond the group stage would rank among the biggest shocks of the competition.

With qualification, pride and their championship ambitions all on the line, the Super Falcons will be determined to deliver a strong performance against Egypt and keep their quest for another African crown alive.

Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala was named Player of the Match after delivering a match-winning performance in Nigeria's crucial 1-0 victory over Zambia at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The experienced striker scored the only goal of the contest in the eighth minute, helping the defending champions secure a vital three points and revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Oshoala caused constant problems for the Zambian defence throughout the encounter with her pace, intelligent movement, and effective hold-up play, proving to be Nigeria's biggest attacking threat.

The Super Falcons were forced to play with 10 players for more than half of the match after defender Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a red card in the 40th minute, but Oshoala's early strike proved enough to seal the win.

With Malawi leading Group C on six points, Nigeria must now defeat Egypt in their final group fixture to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals. A draw could leave the Super Falcons vulnerable to being overtaken by Zambia on goal difference, depending on the outcome of the group's other match.

Oshoala once again underlined her importance to the national team, adding another memorable performance to a career that has seen her become one of the most decorated players in African women's football.

The six-time African Women's Footballer of the Year continues to spearhead Nigeria's attack, combining her experience, leadership, and goalscoring ability as the Super Falcons pursue a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.

Nigeria's Super Falcons produced a resilient display to defeat Zambia 1-0 despite playing with 10 women for much of the match, reviving their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The defending champions struck early at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, with six-time African Women's Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala scoring the decisive goal in the eighth minute.

Oshoala burst past two defenders before seeing her initial effort saved by goalkeeper Hazel Nali. However, the rebound ricocheted off the Nigerian forward and rolled into the net to hand the Super Falcons an early advantage.

Nigeria's task became significantly more difficult five minutes before half-time when defender Blessing Demehin was shown a straight red card for bringing down Zambia captain Barbra Banda as the last defender.

Despite being reduced to 10 players, the Super Falcons defended resolutely to preserve their slender lead and secure a crucial three points.

The result leaves Group C finely poised after two rounds of matches, with Malawi leading the standings on six points, while Nigeria and Zambia are level on three points each. Egypt remain without a point heading into the final round of group fixtures.

Nigeria will now face Egypt in a must-win encounter on Wednesday, while Malawi and Zambia will battle for the other qualification spot in an all-southern African showdown.

Earlier in the day, Malawi continued their remarkable debut campaign with a 3-1 victory over Egypt to maintain their perfect start to the tournament.

Rose Kadzere opened the scoring in the 35th minute after being set up by Temwa Chawinga, before Faith Chinzimu doubled Malawi's advantage deep into first-half stoppage time.

Although Malawi were reduced to 10 players in the 52nd minute after Rose Alufandika received a straight red card for a last-defender challenge on Habiba Essam, they extended their lead through Temwa Chawinga in the 69th minute.

The Kansas City Current forward capitalised on a race for the ball with Egyptian goalkeeper Maha Shehata before heading into an unguarded net.

Egypt pulled a goal back two minutes later through Eman Kassem, who headed home a free-kick to score her country's first goal of the tournament, but it proved only a consolation as Malawi claimed another famous victory.

Zambia forward Rachael Kundananji believes Saturday's crucial Women's Africa Cup of Nations Group C encounter against Nigeria's Super Falcons will be decisive for both teams' hopes of progressing in the tournament, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The defending champions suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening match, while Zambia announced themselves as title contenders with a commanding 6-0 victory over Egypt.

With qualification to the knockout stage hanging in the balance, Kundananji acknowledged the significance of the fixture and expressed confidence in her team's readiness.

"The morale is high, the team is ready," she said during Friday's pre-match press conference.

"We understand it's not an easy task. It's the game that will determine both teams' fate. It's the game that will make everything easy or tough. It won't be an easy game, and we are just looking forward to doing our best."

Zambia head coach Nora Häuptle also made it clear that her side would not settle for a draw, insisting the Copper Queens will approach the contest with the intention of claiming all three points.

"We never play for a draw, it's not in our nature. We always chase for the lead in games. In the last edition we lost against Nigeria in the quarter-finals, we learnt a lot from that game, and against Egypt we showed our flexibility so we can surprise Nigeria," Häuptle said.

The Swiss tactician credited her team's recent development to a series of high-profile international friendlies played during the FIFA Series, where Zambia tested themselves against some of the world's top-ranked nations.

"We have grown as a team. This year we played in the FIFA Series where we faced top-20 teams in the world to learn about high-level games. The lessons from those matches have made us stronger and given me a lot of confidence in this team," she added.

Saturday's encounter will be the fifth WAFCON meeting between Nigeria and Zambia. The Super Falcons have won three of the previous four meetings, including emphatic 6-0 and 4-0 group-stage victories in 2014 and 2018 respectively.

Zambia recorded their first-ever WAFCON victory over Nigeria with a 1-0 win in the third-place playoff at the 2022 tournament before the Super Falcons responded emphatically with a 5-0 quarter-final triumph en route to lifting the 2024 continental title.

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has remained defiant ahead of Nigeria's decisive 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations clash with Zambia, insisting his side is fully focused despite the criticism that followed their opening defeat to Malawi, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The defending champions suffered a shocking loss to tournament debutants Malawi in their first Group B fixture, leaving them under pressure to secure a positive result against the Copper Queens to keep their title defence on course.

Addressing the media on Friday, Madugu rejected claims that the defeat reflected shortcomings in his tactical approach, pointing out that his previous successes with the Super Falcons had not attracted similar scrutiny.

"They are questioning my technical and tactical ability because we lost a game. But was the Malawi game the first I have handled with the Super Falcons?" Madugu said.

"It was not the first game. I have handled several other matches that we won, and nobody questioned me then."

The coach stressed that he and his backroom staff remain confident in their methods and are concentrating solely on preparing the team for the challenge against Zambia.

"The fact is that we know what we are doing. We are focused and looking ahead.

"Like I said, the last game we played was not the only game we have played at the WAFCON. We played in the tournament in 2024, and we won.

"Because we lost one game, people are questioning the tactics. It is within their rights to do so. I don't have any problem with that."

Nigeria head into Saturday's encounter knowing that victory is crucial if they are to revive their hopes of progressing in the tournament and retaining the Women's Africa Cup of Nations title.

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has accepted responsibility for Nigeria's shock defeat to Malawi and promised improvements ahead of the team's crucial second Group C fixture at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The defending champions suffered a disappointing 3-2 loss to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening match, leaving their hopes of reaching the knockout stage hanging in the balance.

Speaking after the game, Madugu acknowledged the disappointment of the result, accepted the criticism that followed, and assured Nigerians that the team would work hard to correct the mistakes that led to the defeat.

"There will always be criticism and comments when things go wrong. We accept those things, we accept responsibility for whatever happened, and we'll try to work on it," Madugu said.

"Whatever mistakes were made, the players are very flexible, and we'll correct them next time.

"It's a wake-up call for all of us, and we know how important this edition is. We're not taking anything for granted."

The Super Falcons must now defeat Zambia's Copper Queens in their next outing to keep alive their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage of the competition.

The decisive Group C encounter is scheduled to take place on Saturday at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, with Nigeria seeking an immediate response after the disappointing opening-day setback.

Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala has called on Nigerians to rally behind the national women's team, insisting they cannot afford to miss qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup, especially after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 men's tournament, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The defending African champions suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening Group C match at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

Temwa Chawinga scored twice, while her sister Tabitha Chawinga also found the net as the Scorchers recorded a famous victory over Nigeria.

The defeat has left the Super Falcons under pressure, with victories against Zambia and Egypt now crucial if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage and securing qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup alive.

Zambia made an emphatic start to their campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over Egypt, inspired by a four-goal haul from star forward Barbra Banda.

Reacting to the disappointing result, Oshoala described the loss as a timely wake-up call and appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the team.

"This is a wake-up call for the team. The Super Eagles didn't qualify for the World Cup, so we know what's at stake. What we need right now is the support of all Nigerians."

The Super Falcons have featured at every edition of the FIFA Women's World Cup since the inaugural tournament in China in 1991, with their best performance coming in 1999 when they reached the quarter-finals in the United States.

By contrast, the Super Eagles have now missed qualification for two consecutive FIFA World Cups after failing to secure places at both the 2022 and 2026 tournaments.

Nigeria's Falconets delivered another statement performance in their build-up to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, cruising to a resounding 9-0 victory over NAF Queens FC in a friendly match at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The seven-time African champions dominated proceedings from the opening whistle, combining clinical finishing with disciplined team play as they continued to fine-tune preparations for the global showpiece.

Chiamaka Ezekinugo was the standout performer in the opening stages, racing to a remarkable hat-trick with goals in the 1st, 3rd and 15th minutes to put the Falconets firmly in control.

Winner David added a fourth just a minute later, while Mary Mamudu found the back of the net in the 26th minute to hand the hosts a comfortable five-goal cushion before the interval.

The Falconets maintained their attacking intensity after the restart, with Alaba Folajomi extending the lead in the 59th minute before Oscar Precious got on the scoresheet with the team's seventh goal in the 78th minute.

Queen completed the rout with two stoppage-time strikes, scoring in the 90+3rd and 90+5th minutes to seal an emphatic victory.

The comprehensive win underlines the Falconets' growing confidence and sharpness ahead of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, with the coaching staff expected to take plenty of encouragement from another dominant all-round display.

Goalscorers:

Chiamaka Ezekinugo – 1', 3', 15'

Winner David – 16'

Mary Mamudu – 26'

Alaba Folajomi – 59'

Oscar Precious – 78'

Queen – 90+3', 90+5'

Former Nigerian international Friday Ekpo has urged the Super Falcons to use their disappointing defeat to Malawi as motivation as they seek to keep their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign alive, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The defending champions suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their Group C opener on Tuesday, leaving their hopes of reaching the knockout stage hanging in the balance.

Malawi took control of the contest in the second half, with Temwa Chawinga opening the scoring in the 73rd minute before her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, doubled the advantage six minutes later.

Nigeria mounted a late comeback after captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the second minute of stoppage time to reduce the deficit.

However, Malawi quickly restored their two-goal lead when Temwa Chawinga completed her brace in the fifth minute of added time.

Substitute Uchenna Kanu pulled another goal back for the Super Falcons deep into stoppage time, but the Nigerians were unable to find an equaliser as Malawi held on to record one of the biggest upsets in WAFCON history.

Reacting to the result, Ekpo admitted he was disappointed by the performance but remains optimistic that the Super Falcons can recover and progress from the group.

"It's disappointing to know that the Super Falcons lost their opening game against Malawi. On paper, many people would have predicted that Nigeria would overcome Malawi, but that is not the case.

"I expect the team to learn from this defeat against Malawi and bounce back to winning ways in their next game. I am still confident that the Super Falcons will qualify from the group despite their opening defeat."

Nigeria must now secure a positive result in their next Group C fixture to revive their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals, while Malawi's historic victory has significantly strengthened the debutants' chances of advancing to the knockout stage.

Tournament debutants Malawi produced the biggest upset of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in a dramatic Group C encounter on Tuesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Scorchers claimed a famous victory thanks to goals from sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, while Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Uchenna Kanu found the net for Nigeria in a frantic finish.

The defeat leaves the Super Falcons with little margin for error, as they must now secure a positive result against Zambia in their second group game on Saturday to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

For Malawi, victory over Egypt in their next fixture would guarantee a place in the quarter-finals.

Earlier on Tuesday, Zambia had made a strong statement by thrashing Egypt 6-0, with Barbara Banda scoring four goals to send the Copper Queens to the top of the group.

Malawi threatened early in the contest, but Tosin Demehin produced a timely block to prevent the opening goal.

Nigeria responded with a series of chances, as Esther Okoronkwo's header was comfortably saved in the 18th minute before Ajibade also saw her header from an Okoronkwo corner denied by the Malawian goalkeeper.

Chiamaka Nnadozie was called into action late in the first half, stretching to intercept a dangerous cross that looked destined for a Malawian attacker.

The Super Falcons resumed the second half brightly, with Ajibade forcing another save from the goalkeeper shortly after the restart.

However, it was Malawi who broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Temwa Chawinga beat the offside trap, rounded Nnadozie, and calmly slotted into the empty net.

Nigeria pushed for an equaliser, but Malawi's disciplined defensive display frustrated the nine-time African champions.

The Scorchers doubled their advantage with 10 minutes remaining after Tabitha Chawinga raced onto a long pass before finishing beneath the advancing Nnadozie.

Ajibade gave Nigeria hope in stoppage time by converting a penalty after Uchenna Kanu's goal-bound header was handled inside the area.

Malawi responded almost immediately, with Temwa Chawinga grabbing her second goal of the evening by lifting the ball over Nnadozie after the goalkeeper rushed off her line to make it 3-1.

Kanu pulled another goal back in the 99th minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box to reduce the deficit, but it proved too late as Malawi held on to record a memorable victory and claim all three points.

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has expressed confidence ahead of Nigeria's opening match at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, insisting the team is fully prepared to begin its title defence with victory over Malawi, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The defending champions will face the tournament debutants in their Group C opener at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Nigeria time. The encounter presents Nigeria with an opportunity to make an early statement in their quest for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Rabat, Ajibade revealed that the squad is in high spirits and determined to take the tournament one game at a time.

"The team's spirit is high. Everyone is fully focused. We know why we're here, and we are ready to take things one step at a time. So we're 100 per cent ready," Ajibade said.

The skipper also acknowledged the progress made by Malawi, urging her teammates not to underestimate the Scorchers despite their status as first-time participants.

"We're approaching every team with a sense of humility and respect. Seeing Malawi qualify for WAFCON for the first time shows the progress they are making and the intentional investment in women's football.

"Some of their players are competing in the top five leagues, which shows the future of women's football in Africa is very bright."

Ajibade stressed that securing all three points remains Nigeria's primary objective, regardless of the style of play.

"A good performance for the Super Falcons is to win three points because that's what matters in this tournament. You can talk about how you play, the tactics and everything else, but if you do all that and don't win, I don't think it counts for anything."

Nigeria will also face Zambia and Egypt in their remaining Group C fixtures as they look to progress to the knockout stage and retain the continental crown.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has strongly condemned the racist abuse directed at Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo on social media following the theft incident involving the team's stay at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The federation's statement followed reports that a suspect accused of stealing cash from members of the Super Falcons squad was arrested by Moroccan authorities. According to the NFF, the stolen money was fully recovered, while the individual responsible was sentenced to six months in prison.

Despite the resolution of the case, Okoronkwo became the target of racist comments and offensive emojis on social media, prompting the NFF to issue a firm response in defence of the Nigerian international.

"The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) strongly condemns the unacceptable racist abuse directed at Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo on social media following recent incidents at the team's hotel in Morocco.

"The racist abuse and emojis directed at our player make absolutely no sense, especially as the individual responsible for the theft was apprehended, made to return the stolen cash in full, and sentenced to six months in prison."

The federation reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of the Super Falcons, stressing that the team remains united and fully focused on its objectives at the tournament.

"The safety, dignity, and well-being of our players remain our utmost priority. The entire team stands united, unbothered by distractions, and fully focused on tomorrow's WAFCON2026 opener against Malawi."

The Super Falcons will begin the defence of their Women's Africa Cup of Nations title against tournament debutants Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday evening as they bid to win a record-extending 11th continental crown.

Super Falcons midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Gift Monday have arrived at Nigeria's training camp in Casablanca, Morocco, completing the team's 25-player squad ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The duo linked up with head coach Justine Madugu's squad after their arrival was delayed by the cancellation of their scheduled flight earlier in the week, preventing them from taking part in Nigeria's final pre-tournament friendly against Tanzania.

The Super Falcons concluded their preparations with a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Tanzania's Twiga Stars on Thursday and will now have a full complement of players available as attention shifts to the continental tournament.

Although they arrived later than expected, both Abiodun and Monday are set to participate fully in the team's remaining training sessions before Nigeria's opening Group C encounter.

Abiodun returns as one of the players who helped the Super Falcons capture the 2024 WAFCON title in Morocco, while Monday will be eager to make her mark after narrowly missing out on selection for the previous edition of the competition.

With their training camp in Casablanca now complete, the Super Falcons are scheduled to travel to Rabat, where they will play all their Group C matches.

Nigeria will begin their quest for a record-extending 11th Women's Africa Cup of Nations title against Malawi's Scorchers on Tuesday before taking on Zambia and Egypt in their remaining group-stage fixtures.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that the Super Falcons have received the houses and $100,000 cash rewards promised by President Bola Tinubu following their triumph at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, disclosed the development while speaking from Glasgow, where he is attending the ongoing Commonwealth Games. He revealed that all financial obligations have been fulfilled, with the official presentation of the house keys scheduled to take place this week.

"I am leaving Glasgow for Morocco this week to present keys to the houses, which His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, promised the Super Falcons after they won the last edition of the WAFCON. Even their $100,000 has been paid into their various bank accounts.

"We decided to delay the presentation of the key because we wanted a situation whereby the players will be together. I am sure it will boost their morale ahead of the 2026 WAFCON event, which will kick off in Morocco in a few days," Dikko said.

The announcement brings an end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding the outstanding rewards, which had sparked concerns within the camp amid reports of delayed payments and an alleged theft incident during the team's stay in Morocco.

Dikko had earlier explained that the delay resulted from government budgetary and administrative procedures, stressing that the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General were responsible for processing the payments.

Nigeria heads into the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations as defending champions and Africa's most successful women's national team, aiming to secure a record-extending 11th continental title.

Drawn in Group C, the Super Falcons will begin their campaign against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, before facing Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5 in Rabat. The tournament's four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

Head coach Justine Madugu has retained the core of the squad that lifted the previous WAFCON title, with Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe and Toni Payne expected to play key roles, while injured defender Ashleigh Plumptre is the most notable absentee.

The Super Falcons travel to the tournament in high spirits after a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their final warm-up match, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo getting on the scoresheet. They will also wear a special commemorative jersey featuring ten stars around the national badge to celebrate each of their previous WAFCON triumphs.

Nigeria's Super Falcons have arrived in Rabat ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, where they will contest all their Group C matches as they bid for a record-extending 11th continental title, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian delegation made a stylish entrance into Morocco's capital, with the players dressed in elegant green-and-white traditional attire complemented by matching head ties, showcasing Nigeria's rich cultural heritage.

All 25 invited players travelled from Casablanca after completing a 10-day training camp, during which they fine-tuned preparations for the tournament.

The Super Falcons head into the competition in a confident mood after ending their build-up with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in an international friendly, a result expected to boost morale ahead of the championship, which begins on Sunday.

Justine Madugu's side will launch their Group C campaign against tournament debutants Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, before taking on Zambia on August 1. Nigeria will conclude the group stage against Egypt on August 5.

The tournament carries added significance, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

As Africa's most successful women's national team, the Super Falcons will be aiming to reclaim the continental crown and further cement their dominance by lifting an unprecedented 11th WAFCON trophy.

Nigeria's Super Falcons will arrive in Rabat on Saturday as they enter the final stage of preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The defending champions have spent the past week in Casablanca, where they wrapped up their pre-tournament training camp and fine-tuned preparations under head coach Justine Madugu. The squad and officials are scheduled to leave Casablanca at 1:45 p.m. local time for Morocco's capital.

The Super Falcons travel to Rabat buoyed by a 2-1 victory over Tanzania's Twiga Stars in their final warm-up match on Thursday. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade gave Nigeria the lead before Esther Okoronkwo struck a late winner to seal the confidence-boosting result.

Nigeria will begin the defence of their continental crown against tournament debutants Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium on Tuesday.

The nine-time African champions have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt, as they target a record-extending 11th Women's Africa Cup of Nations title.

Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has alleged that several members of Nigeria's squad were victims of theft while staying at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca during preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 29-year-old made the allegations through a series of posts on her Snapchat account, claiming cash was taken from her wallet while the team was lodged at the hotel. Okoronkwo initially stated that $500 had been stolen but later corrected the figure after recounting her money, saying the actual amount missing was $700.

According to the AFC Toronto forward, she was not the only player affected, alleging that a number of her teammates also discovered money missing from their wallets during the team's stay.

"This hotel Marriott in Casablanca just stole about a lot of people's money from their wallet!" Okoronkwo wrote. "They just stole 500 USD from me!! They stole couple of dollars from my teammate."

She later updated her statement, writing: "Guys, I did my calculations wrong. They actually stole $700, not $500 USD."

Okoronkwo further alleged that hotel cleaning staff were responsible for the missing money, claiming they entered the players' rooms while they were away.

"The cleaning people stole the money. So they waited while we weren't in the room to clean and steal the money," she alleged.

"We started talking to them, and they don't have answers. They also started being disrespectful."

The Super Falcons have been based in Casablanca since last week as they conclude preparations for the continental tournament. The team boosted confidence with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania's Twiga Stars in a friendly match on Thursday, with Okoronkwo scoring the winning goal.

Nigeria, the defending champions and record 10-time WAFCON winners, will begin the defence of their title against tournament debutants Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday.

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has committed her long-term future to Saudi Women's Premier League outfit Al Ittihad Ladies after signing a contract extension that will keep her at the club until 2028, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Jeddah-based club confirmed the agreement in a statement on their official platforms, declaring: "Ashley Palmer continues with the Brigadier until 2028."

Plumptre joined Al Ittihad following her departure from English side Leicester City and has since established herself as one of the club's most important players through her consistent displays, versatility and leadership in defence.

Her contract renewal provides a major boost for Al Ittihad as they continue building a squad capable of challenging for honours in the Saudi Women's Premier League.

The 27-year-old, however, is set to miss the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after being sidelined by injury, dealing a significant blow to the Super Falcons ahead of the continental tournament.

Nigeria's Super Falcons rounded off their preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania in an international friendly, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The nine-time African champions made a bright start and broke the deadlock in the 15th minute when captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly slotted home to put Nigeria ahead.

Tanzania responded positively and found an equaliser to leave the contest evenly poised for much of the encounter, with both sides battling for control.

As the match appeared destined for a draw, Esther Okoronkwo produced the decisive moment, scoring in the 89th minute to seal victory for the Super Falcons.

The friendly served as Nigeria's final tune-up ahead of the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, where the Super Falcons will be aiming to reclaim the continental crown. The victory provides Justine Madugu's side with a timely confidence boost as they head into the tournament.