The queens of African football are back! The Super Falcons are set to kick off their hunt for an 11th WAFCON trophy this Sunday.

It’s that time again, ladies and gentlemen.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence against Malawi this Sunday, July 27, in Morocco, as they chase a record-extending 11th continental crown, according to cbinews.tv.

The tournament was initially billed for March but will now run from July 26 to August 16, with 16 of Africa’s best teams battling for supremacy.

Drawn in Group C, the defending champions and Africa’s highest-ranked team will have their hands full. They will open against WAFCON debutants Malawi, then face Zambia on July 31 before rounding off the group stage against Egypt on August 4.

Head coach Justin Madugu is sticking with a trusted blend of experience and fresh firepower. Expect to see captain Rasheedat Ajibade leading the charge, alongside star goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the formidable attacking line of Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi.

Group C won’t be a walk in the park though. Zambia, led by reigning BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Barbra Banda and striker Racheal Kundananji, are seen as Nigeria’s biggest threat in the group, even though the Falcons thrashed them 5-0 in the quarter-finals last time out. Egypt are also back after missing the last edition.

And Madugu is not taking anything for granted.

“We know every team now believes they can challenge Nigeria. We have to earn every victory through discipline, hard work and consistency,” he said.

There is even more at stake this year. As cbinews.tv reports, the tournament will serve as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will book automatic tickets, while the losing quarter-finalists will battle for two spots in the intercontinental playoffs.

The motivation is huge off the pitch too. CAF has doubled the rewards; winners will smile home with $2 million, bringing the total prize fund to $5.8 million. Every participating nation is guaranteed $150,000.

Host nation Morocco, finalists last time out under coach Jorge Vilda, are among the favourites, alongside 2022 champions South Africa and a returning Ghana side.

All matches will be played across five stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals from August 8.

Nigeria have won 10 of the 13 editions since 1998. Can they make it 11 in Morocco?

Credit: cbinews.tv

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