Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been placed in Group C of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they will compete against Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi. The draw was conducted on Thursday in Rabat.
The draw ushered in a new chapter for African women’s football, as the 2026 tournament will feature 16 teams for the first time. Morocco, hosting the competition for the third straight edition, will stage the matches from March 17 to April 3, 2026, across Rabat, Casablanca, and Fes.
In Group C, the Super Falcons are set for another showdown with Zambia’s Copper Queens, a familiar opponent. Nigeria head into the group stage buoyed by their emphatic 5–0 quarter-final win over Zambia at the 2024 WAFCON, a victory that propelled them toward a historic 10th continental title. Their triumphant run also included a semi-final win over South Africa and a dramatic comeback victory against hosts Morocco in the final. Egypt and Malawi complete the group lineup.
Meanwhile, hosts Morocco lead Group A, which also includes Algeria, Senegal, and Kenya. Group B consists of former champions South Africa, alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania. Group D features Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde.
The tournament will be played across four venues: Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium and Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, and Fez Stadium in Fes.
Away from the draw, Nigeria experienced mixed fortunes at the CAF awards. Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu missed out on the CAF Women’s Coach of the Year honour, which went to TP Mazembe’s Lamia Boumehdi. Morocco’s Jorge Vilda was the other nominee.
The outcome surprised many observers, given Madugu’s role in steering Nigeria to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title and his recognition as the only African nominee for the Women’s Coach of the Year at the Ballon d’Or.
CAF also recognised Moroccan attacker Sanaa Mssoudy as Women’s Interclub Player of the Year, while AS FAR were crowned Women’s Club of the Year.