The Super Falcons WAFCON 2026 camp opens February 24 as Nigeria’s senior women’s national team step up preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with the coaching crew and Nigeria Football Federation aligning schedules to ensure a focused and competitive build-up to the continental showpiece.
As defending champions, Nigeria carry the weight of expectation into the tournament, having established themselves as the dominant force in African women’s football over the last three decades.
With 10 WAFCON titles already secured, the Super Falcons are chasing a record-extending 11th crown, a feat that would further cement their status as the continent’s most successful women’s national team.
The February 24 camp opening date has been carefully selected to coincide with the FIFA international window, a key consideration given the high number of foreign-based players expected to be called up.
The Super Falcons’ squad is largely made up of professionals plying their trade across Europe, North America and Asia, making coordination and availability a major logistical challenge for the technical crew.
Head coach Justine Madugu has been clear that preparation, rather than reputation, will determine Nigeria’s fortunes in Morocco.
Speaking on the camp arrangements, Madugu stressed that rushing the process or opening camp without sufficient personnel would undermine the team’s objectives at the tournament.
“We can only start camping during the approved FIFA window,” Madugu revealed. “The majority of our players are coming from abroad, though we also have quite a few players we are closely monitoring from the domestic league here in Nigeria.”
The coach explained that a meaningful camp requires numbers, structure and continuity, especially for a side aiming to defend a continental title. According to Madugu, the February 24 date represents the most realistic opportunity to gather enough players to conduct serious training sessions and tactical drills.
“We can’t start a camp with less than 10 players and say we have opened camp,” he said. “For now, February 24 is the most realistic day. That way, we can actually work, assess fitness levels, and build cohesion before competitive matches begin.”
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt. On paper, the Super Falcons are favourites to progress, but the coaching staff has repeatedly warned that the days of easy victories at continental level are over.
Malawi will be making their debut appearance at the WAFCON finals, while Zambia have emerged as one of Africa’s fastest-rising women’s football nations in recent years. Egypt, meanwhile, continue to invest heavily in their women’s programme and are no longer regarded as pushovers.
The Super Falcons will begin their title defence against Malawi on March 18, a match that is expected to attract significant attention given Nigeria’s pedigree and Malawi’s underdog status.
While Nigeria will be overwhelming favourites, Madugu has emphasised the need for focus and discipline from the opening whistle.
Beyond the group stage fixtures, Nigeria’s preparation plan includes participation in the WAFU B invitational tournament in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, later this month.
The tournament is seen as a crucial part of the Falcons’ build-up, offering match sharpness and an opportunity to test combinations under competitive conditions.
For the technical crew, the WAFU B tournament will serve multiple purposes, including assessing fringe players, integrating home-based talents, and evaluating tactical flexibility ahead of the WAFCON finals. With limited preparation time available, every competitive fixture is viewed as valuable.
All of Nigeria’s group matches will be played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, a venue that provides consistency in playing conditions but also demands quick adaptation. Playing multiple games at the same stadium can be an advantage, but it also leaves little margin for error if performances fall below expectations.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Morocco from March 17 to April 3, marking another major test for African football’s most successful women’s side.
Morocco’s growing reputation as a capable host adds another layer of professionalism to the tournament environment, with improved facilities and heightened global attention expected.
Nigeria’s recent history at the WAFCON has reinforced the importance of preparation and squad depth. While the Super Falcons remain Africa’s benchmark, the gap between Nigeria and the chasing pack has narrowed, driven by increased investment, better coaching structures and exposure to international football across the continent.
Madugu acknowledged this shift, noting that Nigeria can no longer rely solely on past achievements to intimidate opponents. Instead, the focus is on building a balanced squad capable of handling different styles of play and high-pressure situations.
“Our target is always to compete at the highest level,” Madugu said. “But competition in Africa has improved, and that means we must prepare properly, respect every opponent, and be ready from the first match.”
The Nigeria Football Federation has also placed emphasis on ensuring that off-field issues do not distract the team, following past controversies involving bonuses and logistics. Officials have repeatedly assured players and fans that administrative matters are being handled early to allow the squad to concentrate fully on football.
For the players, the opening of camp on February 24 signals the beginning of an intense period of training, evaluation and competition for places in the final squad. With Nigeria blessed with depth across all positions, selection battles are expected to be fierce, particularly among attacking players and midfielders.
Veteran stars and emerging talents alike will be eager to impress, knowing that WAFCON performances often shape international careers and influence future club opportunities.
For many, the tournament represents not just a shot at continental glory but also a platform to showcase Nigerian women’s football on a global stage.
As expectations continue to build, the message from the Super Falcons’ camp remains clear: preparation is non-negotiable.
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The decision that the Super Falcons WAFCON 2026 camp opens February 24 reflects a deliberate strategy aimed at giving Nigeria the best possible chance to defend their crown.
With history within reach and pressure mounting, the Super Falcons head to Morocco determined to remind Africa why they remain the standard against which all others are measured.
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