Chiamaka Nnadozie says WAFCON will have surprises

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has said that there will be no easy matches at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. She stated that the time of weak teams in African women’s football is gone, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

As Nigeria gets ready for the tournament in Morocco, Nnadozie, who is the reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, believes every team can pull off an upset. She urged her teammates to take every game seriously.

“I don’t share the belief that any group is tougher than the others. Honestly, right now in Africa, there are no longer minnows,” Nnadozie said.

“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.

“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!”

Preparations for the tournament ramped up on Monday as players started arriving at the training camp in Casablanca. They will undergo a week-long program in nearby Mohammedia.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, defenders Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran, and Shukurat Oladipo, midfielder Christy Ucheibe, goalkeeper Fatima Oloko, and Nnadozie were among the first to arrive.

The training camp will help head coach Justine Madugu and his team to adjust strategies, build team spirit, and get the players in top shape before heading to Rabat for the tournament.

Nigeria will enter the competition, taking place from July 26 to August 16, aiming to defend their title. They want to win their 11th WAFCON trophy and secure a spot for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

More members of Madugu’s 25-player squad, including Osinachi Ohale, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne, Michelle Alozie, Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun, Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Omorinsola Babajide, Gift Monday, and Uchenna Kanu, are expected to join the camp soon.

In Group C, the Super Falcons will begin their title defense against Malawi on July 28. They will also play Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5, as they aim for another successful run on the continent.