Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to commence their camping programme for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, February 20, marking the start of intensified preparations for the continental tournament later in the year.
The team, under the guidance of head coach Justine Madugu, will initially assemble in Abuja before departing for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to participate in the WAFU B invitational tournament. The competition will also feature Ghana and Senegal and is scheduled to run from February 27 to March 7.
The WAFU B event is expected to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s build-up to the WAFCON, alongside a series of planned friendly matches. At the finals, the Super Falcons have been placed in Group C, where they are set to battle Zambia, Egypt and Malawi in what is anticipated to be a highly competitive opening phase.
Despite the ongoing preparations, questions have emerged over the tournament timeline after Morocco, the host nation, formally requested a postponement. The North African country has written to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), pointing to intense fixture congestion and logistical challenges affecting its domestic football schedule.
Morocco’s Botola Pro league has faced repeated interruptions, largely stemming from the nation’s involvement in several major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations, the African Nations Championship and the Arab Cup. These overlapping commitments have reportedly strained stadium availability, security arrangements and general operational planning.
While CAF is yet to make an official announcement, discussions are understood to be ongoing as the continental body weighs the possibility of adjusting the competition calendar.
The significance of the 2026 WAFCON remains high, as the tournament will also serve as a qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic places at the global finals.
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