Veteran Nigerian women’s football coach Bala Nkiyu has warned that defending champions Super Falcons will face a tough challenge in the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 2026. Nkiyu said the Falcons should not assume an easy path as they prepare to defend their continental crown.
The experienced coach spoke amid growing anticipation around Nigeria’s title defence, emphasising that other African sides have improved and will pose serious opposition.
Nkiyu’s caution comes as the Super Falcons prepare for the Moroccan tournament, where Nigeria will be grouped with competitive sides across the continent. African women’s football has seen marked improvement in recent years, with teams like Zambia, Ghana and Morocco raising their standards.
Although Nigeria won the last edition of WAFCON in 2025 their 10th title, the landscape of African football is more competitive than ever, requiring careful preparation and tactical discipline from the Falcons.
As part of their build up to Morocco, the Falcons are set to participate in preparatory competitions such as the WAFU B Four Nation Tournament in Abidjan, offering a high-intensity environment against quality opposition ahead of WAFCON 2026.
Coach Justine Madugu and his technical team are likely to balance experience with youth, aiming to blend attacking flair with defensive stability for the tournament, which also forms part of qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Editorial
Bala Nkiyu’s comments offer a sobering perspective for Nigerian fans as the Super Falcons gear up for WAFCON 2026. While the Falcons have long been dominant in African women’s football, the competitive landscape has shifted significantly. Opponents now boast greater tactical organisation and physical strength, making every match in Morocco a potential showdown.
This reality means the Falcons cannot rely solely on past reputation rigorous preparation, cohesive team play and strategic adaptability will be essential. Nigerian supporters know that WAFCON success is never guaranteed even for champions and this fresh challenge could spur the Super Falcons to raise their game further.
Ultimately, Nkiyu’s warning serves as both a call to respect Africa’s improving sides and a rallying cry for the Super Falcons to match that improvement with resilience, unity and consistent performance on the pitch. Nigeria’s women’s team has the talent and experience to compete at the highest level, but maintaining continental supremacy will require commitment at every level of the squad and coaching staff.
Did You Know?
- The Super Falcons are the nine-time champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, most recently lifting the title in 2025.
- WAFCON 2026 is being hosted in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
- Nigeria have been grouped with competitive African nations including Zambia and Malawi for WAFCON 2026.
- The Super Falcons will use the WAFU B Four-Nation Tournament in Abidjan as part of their preparation ahead of WAFCON.
- All four WAFCON semi-finalists will earn automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
