WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons Will Take It One Match at a Time, Says Nnadozie
Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has revealed that the Super Falcons will adopt a cautious, match-by-match approach as they begin the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco later this month.
Speaking ahead of the 14th edition of the continental championship, Nnadozie said the nine-time African champions are determined to remain focused on every fixture in Group C, where they will face Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi during the competition scheduled to hold from July 26 to August 16.
The reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, who has retained the continental honour for three consecutive years, stressed that the team’s priority is to avoid complacency while pursuing two major objectives, retaining the WAFCON title and securing qualification for the 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 said.
She welcomed the expansion of the tournament from 12 to 16 teams, noting that the increase would make the competition even more competitive.
“It is interesting to have more teams at the finals. That will make the tournament more competitive, but we are calm and focused regardless of the number of teams in the finals,” she added.
Nnadozie also dismissed suggestions that some groups are stronger than others, insisting that the gap between traditional powerhouses and emerging nations in African women’s football has narrowed significantly.
“I don’t share the belief that any group is tougher than the others. Honestly, right now in Africa, there are no longer minnows. There will be a lot of surprises in this tournament as the so-called small teams will be keen to prove they are no pushovers, so all teams deserve respect and must be taken seriously.”
Reaffirming the team’s ambition, the goalkeeper expressed confidence that the Super Falcons are fully aware of the task ahead.
“For us, we know what we are going for: the Cup and the World Cup ticket. It will not be easy, but we are the Super Falcons of Nigeria,” she said.
