Super Falcons midfielder Christy Uchiebe has declared that Nigeria remains fully focused on defending its Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown and extending its proud record of qualifying for every FIFA Women’s World Cup, insisting nothing will derail the team’s ambitions in Morocco.
The Super Falcons head into the 2026 WAFCON as defending champions and record 10-time African champions, with the expanded tournament also serving as Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically, while two additional teams will advance to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s opening match, Uchiebe said the team’s hunger for success remains as strong as ever despite its remarkable achievements on the continent.
“We’ve won the title 10 times, but our desire and determination have not changed. We are here to defend our trophy and continue making Nigeria proud,” Uchiebe said.
The Benfica midfielder stressed that qualifying for Brazil 2027 is one of the squad’s primary objectives, noting that the Super Falcons are determined to maintain their record of appearing at every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament was inaugurated in 1991.
“Nothing will stop us from qualifying for the World Cup. Even if we don’t achieve everything we want at the tournament, we must make sure Nigeria qualifies for Brazil in 2027,” she added.
Nigeria enters the competition among the favourites alongside hosts Morocco, South Africa and Zambia, with expectations high after lifting a record-extending 10th continental title in the previous edition.
The Super Falcons have built a reputation as Africa’s most successful women’s national team, and Uchiebe believes the current squad possesses the quality, experience and mentality needed to preserve that legacy against an increasingly competitive field.
Nigeria will begin its WAFCON campaign aiming to take another step towards an unprecedented 11th continental title while securing one of Africa’s coveted places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
