WAFCON 2026: 4 Super Falcons stars who have a point to prove in Morocco

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The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) is set to kick off in less than a week, and 16 of Africa’s best teams will battle to become the champion of the continent, Afrik-Foot reports.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are the defending champions of the tournament, having claimed their 10th crown in Morocco last year. This time, they are aiming for their 11th.

The significance of this tournament for Nigeria is not just the chase for the title, but also the quest for one of the four tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

On Friday, coach Justin Madugu announced his 25-woman squad for the competition; it features most of the personnel from the side that played at the last WAFCON.

Going into this WAFCON, some players are yet to establish themselves as key figures for Nigeria. They have a lot to prove—not just to the Nigerian fans, but to themselves.

Five Super Falcons Who Have a Point to Prove at WAFCON 2026

Joy Omewa

Omewa Joy Ogochukwu, Nigeria during the International Friendly, match between Senegal and Nigeria women at Remo Stadium on June 8, 2026 in Ikenne, Nigeria. WAFCON 2026 preparatory game.

This is a debut tournament for 23-year-old striker Joy Omewa. Her career has experienced a significant upward trajectory in the past year; she joined Nottingham Forest Women from Danish club Fortuna Hjørring at the start of this year.

With Nigeria, she only earned her debut last year, and in her most recent game against Senegal last month, she scored a brace. But that does not guarantee her a regular spot for the Super Falcons at WAFCON 2026.

Omewa will have to fight hard if she wants to earn minutes, as Madugu can choose from Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu, Asisat Oshoala, and Chinwendu Ihezuo.

Uchenna Kanu

Kanu is another player with a point to prove in Morocco. She was a key part of the Super Falcons squad at the 2023 World Cup, but she missed the last WAFCON.

The 29-year-old is one of the more experienced players in the squad, but she is not guaranteed a starting shirt due to the presence of other quality players in her position.

Nonetheless, the opportunities will definitely come. If she wants to cement her place as the starting marksman for Nigeria, she must deliver when called upon.

Gift Monday

Monday Gift, Nigeria during the International Friendly, match between Senegal and Nigeria women at Remo Stadium on June 8, 2026 in Ikenne, Nigeria.

Monday was one of the major omissions from Nigeria’s 2025 WAFCON squad. This time, however, she has made the cut. The onus is now on her to show that she deserves her place and can be a difference-maker.

Known for her speed and technicality, she has sometimes struggled with a knack for missing clear chances. She is competing in a striker department filled with quality players, so her game time will depend on how well she performs.

Rofiat Imuran

22-year-old Imuran has a big job on her hands going into WAFCON 2026. She is one of the tournament debutants, and she will likely be a starter.

She is expected to man the left-back position in the absence of the injured Ashleigh Plumptre. She must demonstrate her quality and ensure that the team does not miss Plumptre’s presence.

If she can deliver in Morocco, she will definitely nail down the starting shirt for the next few years.