Nnadozie Expects a Tougher WAFCON as Super Falcons Chase Record 11th African Title
Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, believes the expanded format of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will make the tournament more competitive as the Super Falcons bid for a record-extending 11th continental crown.
The reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, who is aiming to help Nigeria successfully defend the title in Morocco, said the Super Falcons are determined to approach the competition with caution and humility despite their status as defending champions.
Speaking to the NFF media, Nnadozie revealed that the nine-time African champions will take each game as it comes when they begin their Group C campaign against Egypt, Zambia and debutants Malawi at the tournament scheduled to run from July 26 to August 16.
“We will take it one match at a time because we cannot afford to stumble at any stage as a result of over-confidence,” Nnadozie said.
“We will be focused squarely on the double targets of securing a FIFA Women’s World Cup ticket and retaining the trophy.”
The Paris FC goalkeeper also welcomed the expansion of the competition from 12 to 16 teams, insisting that it would raise the quality and intensity of the championship.
“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 further dismissed suggestions that certain groups are easier than others, stressing that women’s football has developed significantly across Africa and every team deserves respect.
“I don’t share the belief that any group is tougher than the others. Right now in Africa, there are no longer minnows,” she said.
“There will be a lot of surprises in this tournament because the so-called smaller teams will be eager to prove they are no pushovers. Every team deserves respect and must be taken seriously.”
Despite anticipating a fiercely contested tournament, the 24-year-old expressed confidence that the Super Falcons remain focused on their mission.
“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.”
Nigeria heads into the 2026 WAFCON as defending champions and favourites to lift the trophy once again, with the expanded tournament expected to provide the toughest test yet in their quest for an unprecedented 11th African title.
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