WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons ready to defend title as Justine Madugu set sights on Malawi opener
Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu have declared the Super Falcons fully prepared to begin the defence of their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, as they face tournament debutants Malawi in their opening Group C fixture in Morocco.
Speaking during the official pre-match press conference, the gaffer projected confidence while emphasizing that the nine-time African champions will not underestimate any opponent as they pursue another continental title and qualification for the next FIFA Women's World Cup
Nigeria enter the tournament as reigning champions and favourites, carrying the responsibility of defending their title while securing a World Cup ticket. Madugu insisted the team is ready for the task ahead.
"We are here for the defence of the WAFCON trophy and the team is fully ready and set to go," he said.
When asked about Nigeria's objectives for the tournament, Madugu made it clear that the team's ambitions extend beyond simply defending their title.
"We have a focus, we have a target, and we know what we really want to achieve. We are here to ensure that we qualify for the World Cup as well as retain the trophy we won last year."
Despite Malawi making their first appearance at the continental finals, Madugu dismissed any suggestion that don't take anything for granted.
"Everybody is coming here with a purpose and a mission, so you don't undermine or underestimate what anybody can do. We have huge respect for all our opponents. We will stick to our game plan and. We see their support, we see their love. Their support was instrumental to the last victory we had. We want them to replicate the same energy—even double it—because we need that energy to keep safe to express herself, and finds a place of comfort where she can confide in her coaches and the people around her. If you have infrastructure but don't have the right environment, you won't retain athletes. Everything starts with building the Super Falcons would overlook their opponents.
"Every team that qualifies for this tournament deserves commendation and a lot of respect. Yes, they are debutants, but they are a very good side. We don't take anything for granted. Everybody is coming here with a purpose and a mission, so you don't undermine or underestimate what anybody can do. We have huge respect for all our opponents. We will stick to our game plan and our mission."
Madugu welcomed the expansion of WAFCON to 16 teams, describing it as an important step in giving more African players opportunities to compete at the highest level. However, he stressed that the growth of women's football must continue beyond tournament expansion.
"It's still work in progress. We still expect a lot to be done that will address the welfare of players, capacity building for coaches, and the development of more facilities across the continent so that the development is deliberate and we can catch up with other continents."
Nigeria begin their WAFCON 2026 campaign knowing every point is crucial in their pursuit of another African title and World Cup qualification. While both Madugu and Ajibade remain confident about the team's chances, they have made one thing clear: Malawi will be treated with respect, but the Super Falcons' objective remains unchanged—start with victory and continue their quest to retain the continental crown.
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