Defending Champions Super Falcons Begin WAFCON Build-Up In February

Defending Champions Super Falcons Begin WAFCON Build-Up In February

By Our Reporter 

Super Falcons will open a residential training camp on 20 February as preparations intensify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), football officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The defending champions have been drawn in Group C, where they will face Zambia, Egypt and Malawi at the continental tournament scheduled by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to run from 17 March to 3 April, 2026.

Beyond continental glory, the tournament also forms a key part of Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, increasing the stakes for the nine-time African champions.

Head coach Justine Madugu and his technical crew are expected to use the camp to assess players ahead of final squad selection, while implementing tactical sessions, fitness programmes and, where possible, friendly matches to sharpen the team.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been urged by stakeholders to ensure adequate logistical support, including the organisation of warm-up fixtures, to guarantee optimal preparation for the tournament.

Concerns have been raised by former internationals and football analysts over the limited number of preparatory matches in recent windows, with calls for more competitive friendlies to improve match sharpness and team cohesion.

Supporters of the team insist that a well-structured camp — featuring proper nutrition, medical care and regular match exposure — will be critical if Nigeria are to successfully defend their WAFCON title.

Parts of the Super Falcons’ final preparations are expected to take place in Nigeria before the squad travels to designated host venues for pre-tournament fixtures.

Officials added that a provisional squad list will be announced in the coming days, with further updates to be communicated through the Nigeria Football Federation’s official channels.