Nnadozie targets WAFCON title defence, World Cup ticket for Super Falcons

Posted : 14 July 2026

Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, says the Super Falcons will adopt a cautious, match-by-match approach as they seek to defend their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title and secure qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup at the 14th edition of the tournament in Morocco.

Nnadozie, a three-time African Women's Goalkeeper of the Year, told thenff.com that the nine-time African champions are determined to remain focused throughout the competition, which runs from July 26 to Aug. 16.

The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia, and debutants Malawi in the expanded 16-team championship.

According to the goalkeeper, complacency is not an option as Nigeria pursues the twin objectives of retaining the continental crown and booking a place at the next FIFA Women's World Cup.

"We will take it one match at a time because we cannot afford to stumble at any stage as a result of overconfidence. We will be focused squarely on the double targets of a FIFA Women's World Cup ticket and retaining the trophy," she said.

Nnadozie welcomed the expansion of the tournament from 12 to 16 teams, noting that it would further raise the level of competition across the continent.

"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.

The Paris FC goalkeeper also dismissed suggestions that some groups are more difficult than others, insisting that the gap between Africa's traditional powerhouses and emerging nations has narrowed significantly.

"I don't share the belief that any group is tougher than the others. Right now in Africa, there are no longer any minnows.

"There will be a lot of surprises in this tournament because the so-called smaller teams will be eager to prove themselves. Every team deserves respect and must be taken seriously.

"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," Nnadozie said.

With one of the continent's most successful women's football records, Nigeria will be aiming to begin another strong WAFCON campaign as the Super Falcons look to defend their title and secure a place at the next FIFA Women's World Cup.

Nnadozie targets WAFCON title defence, World Cup ticket for Super Falcons

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