The Super Falcons of Nigeria are set to ramp up preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a four-nation West African tournament in Abidjan later this month.
The nine-time African champions have confirmed their participation in the invitational event organised by the West African Football Union B, scheduled from February 27 to March 7, 2026, with Ivory Coast serving as hosts.
Nigeria will face familiar rivals in the mini-tournament, joining hosts Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Senegal. All four teams have already qualified for WAFCON 2026, making the competition an ideal final test before the continental finals.
The timing is particularly strategic, as the tournament concludes just ten days before WAFCON kicks off in Morocco, running from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Head coach Justine Madugu has reportedly submitted a provisional squad list for the trip to Abidjan, with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expected to make an official announcement soon.
At WAFCON 2026, the Super Falcons will compete in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and debutants Malawi. The clash with Zambia is likely to draw significant attention, following Nigeria’s commanding 5-0 win over the Copper Queens in the previous edition, which culminated in a dramatic final victory over hosts Morocco.
Egypt returns to the tournament after its expansion to 16 teams, while Malawi will make their first-ever appearance at the finals. The 2026 WAFCON will be staged across four venues in Rabat, Casablanca, and Fez.
Beyond continental glory, the stakes are high, as the four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria, the most successful nation in WAFCON history with ten titles, will be aiming to extend its remarkable legacy when the tournament kicks off in Morocco.