‎By Teddy Nwanunobi

‎Ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to start on Sunday, July 26 in Morocco, Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has warned that “there are no longer minnows” in African women’s football.

‎The reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, who insisted that there will be no easy opponents at the WAFCON, spoke as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the tournament.

‎She maintained that every team is capable of causing an upset, and urged her teammates to approach every game with maximum respect.

‎“I don’t share the belief that any group is tougher than the others. Honestly, right now in Africa, there are no longer minnows.

‎“There will be a lot of surprises in this tournament as the so-called small teams will be keen to prove they are no pushovers, so all teams deserve respect and must be taken seriously.

‎“For us, we know what we are going for: the Cup and the World Cup ticket. It will not be easy, but we are the Super Falcons of Nigeria!” Nnadozie said.

‎Daily NewsCraft reports that the tournament will end on Sunday, August 16.

‎Drawn in Group C, the Super Falcons will open their title defence against Malawi on July 28 before facing Zambia on August 1, and Egypt on August 5 as they bid for another successful campaign on the continent.

‎They will be aiming to defend their continental title by extending their record to 11 WAFCON crowns, and secure one of Africa’s qualification spots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

‎Preparations for the continental showpiece gathered momentum on Monday as players began arriving at the team’s training camp in Casablanca ahead of a week-long programme in nearby Mohammedia.

‎Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, defenders Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo, midfielder Christy Ucheibe, goalkeeper Fatima Oloko and Nnadozie were among the early arrivals.

‎The training camp will allow head coach Justine Madugu and his technical crew to fine-tune tactics, improve team chemistry and ensure the players attain peak fitness before the team moves to Rabat for the tournament.

‎More members of Madugu’s 25-player squad, including: Osinachi Ohale, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne, Michelle Alozie, Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun, Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Omorinsola Babajide, Gift Monday and Uchenna Kanu, are expected to arrive in camp in the coming days.