Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football is set for another test, and one of the Super Falcons’ key stars says the mission is clear, retain the title and make history again.
With the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Morocco from July 25 to August 16, confidence is soaring in the Nigerian camp. And leading the charge is Esther Okoronkwo, the forward who was instrumental in Nigeria’s dramatic 10th WAFCON triumph.
Okoronkwo’s Bold Declaration
Speaking after Nigeria secured qualification with a 3-1 aggregate win over Benin Republic, the AFC Toronto attacker left no room for doubt about the team’s ambition. “Yes, With Nigeria, everything is possible for sure,” Okoronkwo said on Channels Television’s “Sports Tonight“. “We’re not going there to not want to win or just go there for vibes. We want to win the 11th [WAFCON title] for sure.”
Her statement echoes the mindset of a team that has won 10 of the 13 WAFCON tournaments held to date, and remains the only African nation to have qualified for every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Okoronkwo’s belief comes from experience. She was named Player of the Match in the 2024 final where Nigeria staged the greatest comeback in WAFCON history to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in Rabat. Down 2-0, she converted a penalty and provided two assists to spark the turnaround, later adding another assist for the 88th-minute winner. She finished the tournament with two goals and seven assists, the most assists in the competition.
A Champion’s Mentality Amid Rising Competition
Former Super Falcons star Maureen Madu shares Okoronkwo’s optimism, even as she acknowledges the challenge ahead.“Other countries will definitely work harder to beat Nigeria because we are the team to beat,” Madu said. “But the Super Falcons are a strong and highly motivated side, and champions always find a way to win.”
Madu noted that women’s football across Africa has grown rapidly, with more nations investing heavily in development. Yet she believes Nigeria’s pedigree, depth and winning culture still give them an edge. “African teams are getting better and stronger, but when it matters most, the champions usually prevail,” she added.
Former international Stella Mbachu was even more emphatic ahead of the tournament. “The Super Falcons will win every game at the WAFCON,” she said. “They will not lose any game all in the tournament, you will see. They will come home with the trophy.”
Major Boost As Okoronkwo Returns From Injury
Nigeria’s preparations have just received a timely lift. Okoronkwo made her return to competitive football on Sunday for AFC Toronto after nearly six weeks out with a meniscus tear and hamstring injury.
Coming off the bench in the 65th minute of a 3-1 win over Vancouver Rise FC, her comeback ends doubt over her availability for Morocco 2026. Toronto had struggled in her absence with just one win in five league outings, underlining her influence in attack.
Head coach Justin Madugu will welcome having one of his most creative weapons back fit. Okoronkwo scored in the first leg of the qualifiers against Benin and provided an assist in the return leg.
The Road To An 11th Title
Nigeria head into the tournament as defending champions, chasing a record-extending 11th crown. The last time they lifted the trophy before 2024 was in 2018 in Ghana.
Drawn in Group C, the Falcons will face Zambia, Egypt and Malawi in their quest. To prepare, the NFF has arranged friendlies against Portugal in Lisbon on June 23 and Ghana in Morocco on June 29.
The squad blends experience and youth. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, named Best Goalkeeper at the last WAFCON and CAF Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023 and 2024, anchors the defense. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade was crowned Player of the Tournament in 2024, while veterans like Halimatu Ayinde, a two-time champion, and Osinachi Ohale bring tournament know-how.
Legacy On The Line
The 2024 final in Casablanca was more than a win it was a statement. Despite Morocco’s rapid rise and home support, Nigeria’s experience, depth and never-say-die spirit carried them to title number 10.
That victory earned Nigeria $1m in prize money and the new-look WAFCON trophy, but more importantly it reaffirmed their status as queens of African football.
Now, with rivals like South Africa and hosts Morocco aiming to end Nigeria’s reign, the Falcons are not backing down.
For Okoronkwo and her teammates, it is not about participating. It is about winning. As she put it plainly: they are going to Morocco to claim the 11th.
With preparation underway, unity emphasized, and key players returning to fitness, the Super Falcons are reminding Africa why they remain the team to beat.
