Falcons Must Stay Focused, Says Nnadozie

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has said Nigeria must not lose focus at any point in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The team is getting ready for the tournament in Morocco, according to The PUNCH.

Nnadozie, who plays for Brighton, was one of the first players to reach the team’s training camp in Casablanca on Monday. She said the Super Falcons will take the competition one game at a time. They are aiming to win their 11th continental title and secure a spot in the 2027 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 told NFF Media.

This year’s WAFCON will have 16 teams for the first time. But the reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year believes having more teams will only make the competition tougher. She said it will not change Nigeria’s approach.

“It is interesting to have more teams at the finals (16 now, up from 12). That will make the tournament more competitive, but we are calm and focused regardless of the number of teams in the finals,” she added.

Preparations picked up on Monday as players started arriving in Casablanca for a week-long training 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, and goalkeeper Fatima Oloko were among those who got to camp early along with Nnadozie.

The training camp will help head coach Justine Madugu and his team polish their tactics, build team spirit, and ensure the players are in top form before heading to Rabat for the tournament.

Nigeria will enter the competition, which runs from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco, looking to defend their title and add to their record of 11 WAFCON wins. They also want to secure a spot for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Other players in Madugu’s 25-player squad, like 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.

The Super Falcons are grouped in Group C. They will kick off their title defense against Malawi on July 28. After that, they will face Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5 as they aim for another successful run in the tournament.