WAFCON 2026: Babajide Confident Super Falcons Can Defend Title, Book World Cup Place

Omorinsola Babajide has reaffirmed the Super Falcons’ determination to reclaim the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title ahead of the 2026 tournament, reports Completesports.com.

Justine Madugu’s will be chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON crown when the competition kicks off in Morocco later this month.

The WAFCON 2026 finals will also serve as the African qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Babajide Reveals Super Falcons’ Ambition

Nigeria has featured in every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1991, and Babajide is keen to ensure that remarkable record continues.

“For us as a team, whether we are playing just to be crowned champions of Africa or for qualification to next year’s World Cup, the pressure is the same as we want to win,” Babajide told thenff.com.

Read Also:Babajide Celebrates Super Falcons’ Victory Over Cameroon

“The only pressure actually is the one we put on ourselves. We know what we signed up for as professionals and being the defending champions, we want to retain our trophy.”

WAFCON Expansion No Threat

For the first time since the inception of the WAFCON, 16 teams will compete in this year’s tournament.

Babajide said the expanded tournament has not changed the team’s mindset, insisting that the desire to lift the trophy remains as strong as ever for the defending champions.

“I think it makes it more exciting. We all know that this year’s Women AFCON is also for qualification to the World Cup finals. Of course, we all want to be there. I think it will make it more competitive but for us, the goal remains the same,” added Babajide.

The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C with Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt.

The West Africans will open their campaign against the Scorchers of Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium, Rabat on Tuesday, 28 July.

By Adeboye Amosu