The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will kick off in Morocco on Sunday, July 26, 2026, with defending champions Nigeria aiming to retain their title, secure a place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and claim a record $2 million prize.
The tournament, which has expanded to a record 16 teams from 12 at the previous edition, will see 10 time champions Nigeria begin their title defence as the favourites.
The Super Falcons produced a dramatic comeback to win the last edition, overturning a two goal deficit against hosts Morocco to claim a 3-2 victory, with Jennifer Echegini scoring the decisive late goal.
Echegini, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, returns for this year’s tournament alongside Canada based Esther Okoronkwo and China based Folashade Ijamilusi, who also scored in the 2024 final.
Nigeria head coach Justine Madugu said the team’s immediate objective is to reach the semi finals and secure one of Africa’s four automatic qualification spots for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Our first target is to qualify for the World Cup by reaching the semi finals. After that, we want to defend the trophy and bring it back to Nigeria. It will not be easy because every team wants to take the title from us,” Madugu said.
The coach has named a 25 player squad blending experienced stars and emerging talents from clubs across Mexico, Israel and China. Abia Angels goalkeeper Fatima Oloko is the only home based player in the squad.
Nigeria will, however, be without England born defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad, after she was ruled out through injury.
Midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade will captain the Super Falcons, while Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is expected to play a key role after establishing herself as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and tournament debutants Malawi.
Zambia are expected to provide Nigeria’s toughest challenge, with star forwards Racheal Kundananji of Bay FC and Barbra Banda leading their attack. Malawi will rely on sisters Tabitha Chawinga of Lyon and Temwa Chawinga of Kansas City Current to cause an upset.
The top two teams from each of the four groups will qualify for the quarter finals.
Since the competition began in 1998, only Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa have won the continental title. Nigeria have lifted the trophy a record 10 times.
Hosts Morocco, who finished runners up in the last two editions, headline Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya, while reigning African champions South Africa lead Group B with Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.
Group D features Ghana, Cameroon and debutants Cape Verde.
Five stadiums across Rabat and Casablanca will host the 34 matches of the tournament, including two intercontinental playoff fixtures that will determine the final African representatives at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
AFP
