Nigeria’s Super Falcons have set their sights on winning a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, with first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie declaring that the team is fully focused on reclaiming the continental crown while securing qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The three-time reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year said the Super Falcons expect a fiercely competitive tournament in Morocco, where the competition has been expanded from 12 to 16 teams.
Speaking ahead of the championship on Monday, Nnadozie dismissed claims that some groups are easier than others, stressing that every nation has improved significantly and deserves respect.
“I don’t share the belief that any group is tougher than the others. Right now in Africa, there are no longer minnows. There will be a lot of surprises because the so-called smaller teams will be eager to prove themselves. Every team deserves respect and must be taken seriously,” she said.
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Nigeria, the tournament’s most successful team with 10 WAFCON titles, will face Egypt, Zambia and debutants Malawi in Group C when the championship kicks off in Morocco from July 26 to August 16.
Despite the increased competition, Nnadozie expressed confidence in the Super Falcons’ preparations, saying the team remains focused on reclaiming continental glory and booking a place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“We will take it one match at a time because we cannot afford to stumble through over-confidence. We are focused on two objectives retaining the trophy and qualifying for the World Cup,” she said.
The goalkeeper welcomed the expansion of the tournament, describing it as a positive step for the growth of women’s football across Africa.
“It is interesting to have more teams at the finals. That will make the tournament more competitive, but we are calm and focused regardless of the number of teams.”
She added that the Super Falcons are fully aware of the challenge ahead but remain determined to defend their continental crown.
“It will not be easy, but we are the Super Falcons of Nigeria,” Nnadozie declared.
