馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie warns against underestimating opponents at 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has stated that there will be no easy opponents at the 2026 Women鈥檚 Africa Cup of Nations, emphasizing that the era of so-called minnows in African women鈥檚 football is over. As Nigeria prepares for the tournament in Morocco, Nnadozie believes every team can cause an upset and has urged her teammates to approach each game with maximum respect. She noted that smaller teams will be keen to prove themselves, indicating that many surprises are expected. The Super Falcons are aiming to win the Cup and secure a World Cup ticket. Preparations for the continental event began with players arriving at the team鈥檚 training camp in Casablanca, ahead of a week-long program in Mohammedia. Early arrivals included Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, and Nnadozie. The training camp will allow head coach Justine Madugu to refine tactics and ensure players reach peak fitness before moving to Rabat for the tournament. Nigeria will seek to defend their continental title, aiming for their 11th WAFCON crown and a qualification spot for the 2027 FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup in Brazil. The competition is scheduled from July 26 to August 16. More players from Madugu鈥檚 25-player squad are expected to join the camp soon. Drawn in Group C, the Super Falcons will begin their title defense against Malawi on July 28, followed by matches against Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5.
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