‎By Teddy Nwanunobi

‎Mixed reactions have greeted the Super Falcons’ participation ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will take place in Morocco from July 25 to August 17.

‎While a former Super Falcons striker, Rita Nwadike, has backed the 10-time African champions to retain their WAFCON title and extend their dominance on the continent, the President of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Aisha Falode, has warned that the Super Falcons can no longer rely solely on their rich history to maintain their dominance on the continent.

‎Multiple WAFCON winner, Nwadike, expressed confidence in the quality and experience within the current squad, insisting the team has everything it takes to secure a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.

‎Nwadike urged the players to approach every game with determination, discipline and the winning mentality that has defined the Nigerian women’s national team for decades.

‎“The Super Falcons remain the biggest team in women’s football in Africa. They have quality players, experienced professionals and a good technical crew. I believe they can successfully defend the title if they stay focused and play as a team,” she said on the MTN Super Falcons Show.

‎Nwadike also called on Nigerians to rally behind the team throughout the tournament, stressing that the players need the prayers and support of the nation as they embark on another quest for continental glory.

‎“Representing Nigeria comes with great responsibility, but I know these girls understand what is at stake. They should believe in themselves, give everything on the pitch and make the country proud. Nigerians should continue to support and encourage them,” she said.

‎The former international, who scored Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup goal in a 3-3 draw against Canada at the 1995 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Sweden, said wearing the green and white remains one of the greatest honours any player can have.

‎She added that the current generation has the opportunity to further cement their legacy by successfully defending the title and inspiring the next generation of female footballers across the country.

‎Nigeria head into WAFCON 2026 as defending champions and the most successful nation in the tournament’s history.

‎Falode, however, has urged stakeholders to match the rapid growth of women’s football across Africa.

‎Speaking at the FIFA/NFF Capacity-Building Workshop for Women Football Administrators in Abuja, the Nigeria Football Federation board member said the landscape of women’s football in Africa has changed significantly, with several countries investing heavily in player development, coaching, administration and infrastructure.

‎According to her, Nigeria must evolve at the same pace as its rivals if it hopes to remain the benchmark in African women’s football.

‎“The gap is closing. If we don’t wake up, we will become yesterday’s heroes,” Falode warned.

‎She noted that sustained planning, increased investment and structured development programmes have enabled several African countries to narrow the gap on Nigeria, making every major women’s tournament more competitive than before.

‎Falode stressed that while the Super Falcons remain the continent’s most successful team, past achievements alone will not guarantee future success.

‎“Women’s football is growing globally, and Nigeria must grow with it. We need a coordinated national direction if we want to remain at the top,” she said.

‎The veteran sports administrator called on football authorities, administrators and other stakeholders to adopt a unified long-term strategy that prioritises grassroots development, improved domestic competitions and sustained investment in the women’s game.

‎Nigeria remain the most successful nation in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having won a record 10 titles. However, recent years have seen countries such as South Africa, Morocco and Zambia emerge as genuine contenders following deliberate investments in their women’s football programmes.

‎Falode maintained that Nigeria still possesses the talent, experience and football pedigree to remain Africa’s leading force, but insisted that continued innovation, strategic planning and commitment from all stakeholders would be crucial to sustaining that status.

‎Drawn in Group C, the Falcons will face Malawi, Zambia and Egypt.

‎They will open their title defence against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, before taking on Zambia on Saturday, August 1, and Egypt in their final group game four days later

‎This year’s tournament will also serve as the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification, while one additional team will advance through the intercontinental play-offs.