Nigeria’s Super Falcons will intensify their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) by competing in a four-nation West African tournament scheduled to hold in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed the participation of the reigning African champions in the invitational competition, which is organised by the West African Football Union (WAFU B).
The tournament will run from 27 February to 7 March 2026 and will feature four teams that have all secured qualification for WAFCON 2026: hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal.
With the WAFCON finals set to kick off in Morocco just ten days after the tournament.
The Abidjan championship is viewed as a crucial dress rehearsal for Africa’s premier women’s football event.
Morocco will host the 16th edition of WAFCON from 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Confirming Nigeria’s involvement, NFF Director of Competitions Ruth David described the tournament as an important part of the Super Falcons’ final build-up.
She explained that the WAFU B Secretariat invited the four federations to help their teams sharpen match fitness, cohesion, and tactical readiness ahead of the continental showpiece.
David also disclosed that Nigeria has formally confirmed participation and that the squad list submitted by head coach Justine Madugu will be announced through official channels in the coming days.
The tournament offers the Super Falcons an opportunity to test their readiness against strong and familiar opposition in Ghana and Senegal, while also taking on the hosts in what is expected to be a highly competitive atmosphere.
Beyond continental glory, the stakes at the 2026 WAFCON are particularly high. The top four teams will qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while two additional teams will secure places in the inter-confederation play-offs.
Nigeria head into the competition as defending champions and the most successful nation in WAFCON history, having won the title ten times—in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2024.
With their rich legacy to uphold, the Abidjan tournament represents an early but significant test of the Super Falcons’ readiness to defend their crown in Morocco.
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