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Tag: WAFCON

CAF Postpones 2026 WAFCON In Morocco To July-August

Wale busari02 mins

The Confederation of African Football has officially postponed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, moving the tournament from its original March schedule to a new window between July 25 and August 16. CAF confirmed the change in a statement on Thursday, ending weeks of uncertainty over the competition’s timing. Morocco was awarded hosting rights in October 2024, and the tournament was initially slated to run from March 17 to April 3. The governing body said the rescheduling followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders, emphasizing that the move was necessary to ensure the smooth organisation of the continent’s premier women’s football event. “After discussions between CAF and its partners, FIFA and other stakeholders, CAF decided to reschedule the dates of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 to 25 July – 16 August 2026 to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances,” the statement read. CAF also expressed confidence that preparations for the tournament are progressing and that the event will meet expectations. The announcement comes amid growing concerns over the readiness of the tournament, with several pre-competition arrangements still incomplete ahead of the original March kickoff. Details such as venues for knockout rounds, accreditation for journalists, match officials, and technical workshops had yet to be finalised, and promotional activities for the competition were largely absent.

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Pre-WAFCON Friendlies: Ajibade, Nnadozie, 23 Others Top Super Falcons List for Cameroon

Wale busari04 mins

Head Coach Justine Madugu has listed captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo in a 25-player Super Falcons’ roster for the upcoming friendly matches against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in Yaounde. Canada-based midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene makes a return to the squad after a couple of years, and forward Gift Monday, now based in the United States of America, also returns after missing out on last year’s Women AFCON triumph in Morocco. England-based goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor has been called up for the first time, as Mexico-based defender Chidinma Okeke also makes a return to the 10-time African champions. Midfielder Precious Christopher, based in Tanzania, joins up with the group for the first time, while defenders Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin and Ashley Plumptre, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Rinsola Babajide and Folashade Ijamilusi retain their spots. The first match against the Lionesses will hold on Saturday, 28th February, with the second coming up on Tuesday, 3rd March. The final tournament of the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations has been confirmed for the Kingdom of Morocco for the period 17th March – 3rd April, with all four semi-finalists qualifying directly to next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil. SUPER FALCONS FOR FRIENDLY MATCHES VS CAMEROON: Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England); Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels) Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Olivia Wynn, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel); Chidinma Okeke (Club America, Mexico) Midfielders: Halimatu Ayinde (Christian Lundstrom, Sweden); Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Ottawa Rapids, Canada); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Precious Christopher (Yanga Princess, Tanzania) Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA); Joy Omewa (Nottingham Forest, England); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy)

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Morocco 2026: Super Falcons to Face Indomitable Lionesses in Two Games

Wale busari03 mins

As part of their preparations for this year’s Women Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Morocco, Cup holders and 10-time champions Nigeria will face off with Cameroon in two friendly matches in Yaounde within the FIFA Women’s International Window of 24th February – 7th March 2026. Specifically, the Super Falcons and the Indomitable Lionesses will clash in the Cameroonian capital on Saturday, 28th February, and then again on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026. It will be recalled that both teams clashed in a friendly match prior to last year’s Women Africa Cup of Nations also hosted by Morocco, and the Falcons ran away 2-0 winners at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta. NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, MON said: “We have concluded everything that has to do with the two friendly matches, in conjunction with our counterpart body in Cameroon, FECAFOOT. Our commitment is to ensure that the Super Falcons are well-prepared to retain their WAFCON title in Morocco and qualify for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.” FECAFOOT General Secretary, Isaac Mandong, said: “We are excited about the opportunity to host the Nigeria national team and to strengthen the ties between our two federations through this collaboration.” The Confederation of African Football has confirmed the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations for 17th March – 3rd April in the Kingdom of Morocco. All four semi-finalists at the tournament will qualify directly to next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil. The Super Falcons won their 10th Women AFCON title in Morocco last summer, in the process defeating Tunisia, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa and hosts Morocco.

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CAF Announces Expansion of WAFCON to 16 Teams from 2026

Wale busari02 mins

The Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved the expansion of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) from 12 to 16 teams, starting with the next edition to be staged in Morocco from 17 March-3 April 2026. As the qualification phase for the 2026 edition has already been completed, the Executive Committee has approved the selection mechanism to determine the four additional Teams. Based on the current FIFA Women’s World Rankings, the top four teams from those eliminated in the final qualifying round have been selected to complete the list of participants. The following teams will therefore join the finals of the CAF WAFCON Morocco 2026: Cameroon (66th in the FIFA ranking), Cote d’Ivoire (71), Mali (79) and Egypt (95). They are in addition to the 12 nations already qualified for the tournament: Morocco (host country), Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Cape Verde, South Africa and Senegal. The decision is in line with CAF’s strategic vision to strengthen the competitiveness and development of women’s football on the African continent. This will allow more nations to participate in African women’s football’s flagship competition, contributing to its continued growth and global reach. The CAF WAFCON also serves as the continental qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil.

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Governor Abiodun Dangles ₦50M At Super Falcons

Fola Badmus04 mins

By BUNMI OGUNYALE   Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to sports development and youth empowerment as he announced a ₦50 million support package for the Super Falcons.   The Governor made the announcement while playing host to the national women’s football team at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, ahead of their WAFCON 2026 qualifier against the Amazons of Benin Republic.   He described the gesture as a recognition of the team’s inspiring performances and a motivation to spur them toward greater victories.   Abiodun noted that his administration remains steadfast in transforming the sports landscape of Ogun State. From the modernization of the MKO Abiola International Stadium to plans for a world-class sports hub in Abeokuta, he said the government is investing in infrastructure and opportunities that will nurture champions and position Ogun as the true Gateway to Excellence.   “We were delighted to receive the Super Falcons of Nigeria in our office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, ahead of their second-leg Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 qualifier against the Amazons of Benin Republic. In recognition of their inspiring performances and to further motivate them for the task ahead, we announced a support package of ₦50 million to the team.   “Their return to the MKO Abiola International Stadium is a validation that we are doing something right in Ogun State. Beyond hosting matches, we are transforming the stadium environment with plans for a world-class sports hub—complete with a five-star hotel, cinema, shopping complex, and other facilities that will make Abeokuta a true sports and tourism destination.   “We commended the Falcons for their historic tenth WAFCON title in Morocco, a victory that lifted the spirit of our nation. What they represent goes far beyond football—they embody leadership, teamwork, and discipline. Through their example, millions of young women are learning that excellence knows no gender, and that with hard work and unity, they too can break barriers and achieve greatness.   “On behalf of the government and the good people of Ogun State, we assured the Super Falcons of our unwavering support. We believe that through their success, they will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders, athletes, and achievers. Ogun State stands firmly with them as they continue to make Nigeria proud,” the Governor assured.

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2026 WAFCON Race: Ihezuo, Okoronkwo Earn Falcons Win Over Bénin’s Amazons

Fola Badmus03 mins

Forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo aand Esther Okoronkwo scored first-half goals to give reigning African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons a 2-0 win over their Bénin Republic counterparts in the first leg of their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture, first leg in Lome, Togo. ‎ ‎   The Super Falcons started strongly with Rasheedat Ajibade’s 6th minute lob over the Amazons’ goalkeeper Ogoun which was denied by the woodwork, while Folashade Ijamilusi’s strike two minutes later was parried away by Ogoun. ‎ ‎The Beninise couldn’t hold on tight to their low block game plan as Deborah Abiodun weaved open a congested midfield with a pass to Chiwendu Ihezuo who excellently put the ball beyond the reach of the Beninise goalkeeper to give Nigeria the lead in the 23rd minute. ‎   ‎With the Super Falcons enjoying long spells of possession, dominating every department of the game, the Amazons had their first sight of Nigerian goal in the 36th minute when Moumouni connected to a pass on the byline and managed to get past Osinachi Ohale to strike at goal, only to be denied by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. ‎ ‎   Deborah Abiodun was, once more, in her elements as she picked out Esther Okoronkwo with a defence-splitting pass, with the latter slotting home to double the lead for Nigeria before the stroke of halftime. The Super Falcons were lucky not to concede in the closing stages of the first half, as Moumouni’s shot against the run of play struck the frame of the post to end the half 2-0 in favour of Nigeria. ‎ ‎   The second half proved tough for both teams following tactical adjustments and a number of substitutions. However, Nigeria soaked the pressure better, containing the pace of the Amazon wingers who stepped up with high intensity in their search for goals. ‎ ‎An in-swinger in the 90th minute unsettled the Nigerian defence, leaving Sadikou with a chance to head into the net but her effort was denied by Nnadozie.‎   ‎The scoreline gives Nigeria the advantage ahead of the return leg billed for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta on Tuesday. ‎

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2026 WAFCON Race: Super Falcons Seek Comfortable Win over Bénin’s Amazons

Fola Badmus04 mins

The 25,000 -capacity Stade de Kégué in the Togolese capital, Lomè is venue for Friday’s 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying fixture, first leg match between 10-time champions Nigeria and their Bèninoise counterparts, known as Amazons, with the Cup holders seeking a comfortable win that will render the return leg in Nigeria on Tuesday a mere formality.   Head Coach Justine Madugu has a total of 19 players available for the encounter, and has promised his squad will go all out for the goals that will earn it the ticket to a defence of the title won in Morocco this summer. The Kingdom of Morocco will also host next year’s houseparty, where all semi-finalists will collect automatic qualification tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.   “We have a team that will go out there and make us proud. Yes, we would have loved to have Jennifer (Echegini) but we do not and we can only pray for her to recover quickly.   “On Friday, we will go out and play our game and seek the goals that will put us in a good stead ahead of the return leg.”   With Echegini out, Madugu is likely to opt for US-based impresario Deborah Abiodun to start, alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe in the middle, with Chiamaka Nnadozie (one of the best goalkeepers in the world) marshalling a defence-line of Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Ashley Plumptre.   In the fore, Madugu has Esther Okoronkwo (doubtless one of Nigeria’s impact players at this year’s Women AFCON), the pushful Chinwendu Ihezuo, six-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, new-face Joy Omewa and China-based Folashade Ijamilusi, who was also a delight as Nigeria won a tenth AFCON title in Morocco this summer.   Gambian official Ngum Fatou will be the referee of the encounter that begins at 3pm Togo time (4pm Nigeria time).   SUPER FALCONS TO FACE AMAZONS:   Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)   Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)   Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)   Forwards: Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin FC, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)  

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2026 WAFCON Qualifier: Ajibade, Okoronkwo Expected as Injury Knocks Out Echegini

Fola Badmus02 mins

Head Coach Justine Madugu remains upbeat about Nigeria’s chances against Bénin Republic in their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture, despite midfielder Jennifer Echegini being knocked out of the two games after suffering a hamstring injury in her club, Paris Saint Germain of France’s game on Monday night.   Echegini, who scored Nigeria’s winning goal in this year’s Women AFCON Final match against hosts Morocco in Rabat, will now miss Friday’s first leg of the final qualifying fixture at the Stade de Kégué in the Togolese capital, as well as the return at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex on Tuesday.   Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who also plays for PSG in France, is scheduled to arrive in Lomé on Tuesday night, alongside the Mexico-based duo of defender Osinachi Ohale and forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, USA-based duo of defender Michelle Alozie and midfielder Deborah Abiodun, Canada-based forward Esther Okoronkwo and Italy-based defender Shukurat Oladipo.   The camp swelled from nine players to 11 on Monday night with the arrivals of Portugal-based midfielder Christy Ucheibe and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashley Plumptre jetted into Lomé on Tuesday afternoon.  

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